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Kampala, Uganda | PATRICIA AKANKWATSA | The Imara Girls Festival, an event organised by Reach a Hand Uganda (RAHU) in partnership with the Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) and SautiPlus Media hub concluded successfully on October 12th.
Held in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, the festival celebrated the achievements of young women. It launched the Imara Women’s Centre, a visionary initiative to advance women’s rights and empower girls across Uganda.
The festival, themed “Invest in Her, Unleash Her Potential,” featured a diverse range of activities, including games, music, power talks and entertainment showcasing the talents and aspirations of young women from various backgrounds.
The festival aimed to shine a spotlight on the achievements of young women who are leading change in their communities and sectors, while also advocating for greater investment in their potential. Through performances, speeches, and discussions, participants shared inspiring stories of overcoming challenges, fighting gender inequality, and using innovation to solve societal problems.
Speaking at the festival, RAHU and FOWODE leaders emphasized the importance of sustained investment in girls’ education, health, and leadership development as essential strategies for unlocking their full potential. They called on government institutions, private sector players, and civil society organizations to join hands in ensuring that young women and girls receive the support they need to thrive.
James Tumusiime the country director for Reach a Hand Uganda said that the theme is a testament that once women are supported, once they are encouraged to join the business, once avenues to support their businesses are there, and once capacity building is there, they can also grow and make changes.
“We believe every woman can be supported and make a difference in their life, families and communities. This is a call to all partners and stakeholders and the government to further prioritise the investment in women-led businesses, training and welfare of women and girls for prosperity,”
One of the key highlights of the event was the call to support the establishment of the Imara Women’s Centre, an initiative designed to drive interventions focused on advancing women’s rights over the next 25 years. The centre aims to provide resources, mentorship, and opportunities to empower women and girls, helping them to achieve economic independence, leadership roles, and social change.
“The centre is an ambition of FOWODE to have a space that women can call their own, a space where women can be supported to learn about leadership, money and economy. As Reach a Hand Uganda, this is an area we are interested in and we are glad that FOWODE has chosen to come to work with us,” Tumusiime said.
Patricia Munabi Babiiha, the Executive Director of FOWODE said that the Imara Women’s Centre is a comprehensive facility designed to empower girls and women while ensuring long-term sustainability.
“It will feature a library, a museum honouring women’s achievement, and collaborative spaces for youth innovation. Furthermore, we’ll offer wellness and self-care programs to support our team and partners,”
To bring this vision to fruition, Munabi said they require $7.8 million in funding which will enable them to expand their reach, provide more comprehensive services, and create a sustainable model for empowering women and girls across Uganda.
“We are actively seeking additional funding from both public and private sources to complete the construction of the centre and ensure its long-term success. Your contribution will make a tangible difference in the lives of countless women and girls, empowering them to reach their full potential,”
Recent fundraising efforts, including a successful dinner, have generated Shs234 million.
