(Kampala) – The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has pledged UGX 100 million to support the construction of the Imara Women’s Centre, a project spearheaded by the Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE). During a meeting with the Uganda Women’s Movement on October 23, 2024, Among emphasized the importance of focusing on the challenges faced by rural women, urging women leaders to work together to uplift those in disadvantaged communities.
The Uganda Women’s Movement, an umbrella organization that brings together various women advocacy groups, called on the Speaker to discuss the advancement of women’s rights and support for rural communities. Among highlighted the need to ensure that the movement’s efforts are centered on improving the lives of rural women and girls. “Let us reach out to the local women at the grassroots and see how they live with a view to improve their conditions. What does the movement do for local women, the rural girl child to encourage and support them to one day become like you?” she said.
Led by Isabella Akiteng, the women leaders expressed their appreciation for the Speaker’s ongoing efforts to support women and girls, particularly in Bukedea District. They praised her initiatives, which include providing education scholarships and facilitating access to subsidized healthcare for rural women. “We want to celebrate your achievements; we have observed your resilience, and we are here to stand with you. We celebrate your efforts in girl child education, the work you are doing in Bukedea, and also in provision of subsidised healthcare to rural women,” said Akiteng.
FOWODE’s Executive Director, Patricia Munabi, introduced the Imara Women’s Centre project to the Speaker. Munabi explained that the center aims to generate income to sustain the work of the women’s movement. “The Imara Women’s Centre’s aim is to make a contribution to sustain the work that we do as the women’s movement; we thought about the centre as an enterprise to generate income,” she said.
Speaker Among reaffirmed her commitment to supporting women’s leadership and called on women leaders to show solidarity with one another. She encouraged them to collaborate and navigate the challenges unique to women in leadership positions. “Let us work together and be each other’s keepers while we are in these positions; I want a women’s movement which protects our cultures and values; I pledge my full support to all your initiatives,” she said.
Former Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Winfred Kiiza, was also present at the event, adding her voice to the calls for continued support and solidarity among women leaders in the country.
