Monday, June 21, 2010

DON'T ASK WHY; ASK WHY NOT? CALL FOR ARTICLES

Dear Friends,

Don’t Ask Why? Ask Why not. This is the theme for Acfode’s next quarterly magazine, Arise. We kindly request articles from you. This theme provokes each of us in a deliberate way to burst the bubble of normalcy and view life from the lens of confidence, achievement and risk in order to achieve what was considered before as unachievable.

This could be viewed as a woman standing for President, a female Inspector General of Police, and other key areas of our own personal lives where we have been postponing important decisions.

Acfode pays for accepted articles and also gives copies of the magazine. The standard length is 800 to, 1,000 words with pictures if possible. The deadline for acceptance of articles is August 2 2010. You may email your articles to Nambozo@gmail.com.

Kind Regards,

Friday, June 18, 2010

ACFODE TAKES PART IN LAUNCH OF POLITICALPLURALISM ASSESSMENT BOOK

ACFODE attended the launch of the book on a report on The State of Political Pluralism and Democracy at Local Government level in Uganda; The Assessment of Seven Districts of Uganda 16 June, at Protea Hotel. It is based on the background of the 2005 Referendum that changed the governance of Uganda to multi-party political system. The report looks at the issues which form the basis of any functioning democracy. The project was implemented in the seven districts of Arua, Gulu, Kasese, Masaka, Mbarara, Mbale and Soroti.

The premise behind the project is the recognition that the concepts of political pluralism, democratic participation and representation are central to the practice of genuine democracy. The report aims to help the 7 districts and others with similar challenges and opportunities they face in promoting pluralism, democratic participation and representation. It also provides meaningful recommendations amongst them:-the urgent need to enhance the awareness of political pluralism, democratic participation and representation. There is also need to provide effective and widespread civic education. The project is funded by the EU. More information can be found on the website http://www.kas.de/.

ACFODE TAKES PART IN LAUNCH OF POLITICAL PLURALISM ASSESSMENT BOOK

ACFODE attended the launch of the book on a report on The State of Political Pluralism and Democracy at Local Government level in Uganda; The Assessment of Seven Districts of Uganda 16 June, at Protea Hotel. It is based on the background of the 2005 Referendum that changed the governance of Uganda to multi-party political system. The report looks at the issues which form the basis of any functioning democracy. The project was implemented in the seven districts of Arua, Gulu, Kasese, Masaka, Mbarara, Mbale and Soroti.

The premise behind the project is the recognition that the concepts of political pluralism, democratic participation and representation are central to the practice of genuine democracy. The report aims to help the 7 districts and others with similar challenges and opportunities they face in promoting pluralism, democratic participation and representation. It also provides meaningful recommendations amongst them:-the urgent need enhance the awareness of political pluralism, democratic participation and representation. There is also need to provide effective and widespread civic education. The project is funded by the EU. More information can be found on the website http://www.kas.de/.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

ACFODE TAKES PART IN SMS HOTLINE LAUNCH

ACFODE TAKES PART IN SMS HOTLINE LAUNCH

Do you have an issue of concern with the electoral process? Well, ACFODE, being a member of (Democracy Monitoring Group) DEM Group, has a solution. During the recent launch of the Citizen's Reporting hotline, ACFODE and other stakeholders were able to bridge the gap between citizens and smooth running of elections. The Citizen's Reporting SMS hotline is a quick and effective solution for citizens to raise issues of concern during the electoral process. There have been several complaints of long lines, insufficient time and lack of adequate information. This hotline, 6090, costs only one hundred UGX across all networks and once an issue is raised, there is an instant response. We encourage all of you to make this information as accessible as possible to your constituents and friends in order for smooth running of elections. Vote wisely. DEM group is partnering with UgandaWatch 2011, an independent body not connected with any political party of government. Once you SMS, your privacy will be respected. ACFODE is also celebrating 25 years this year and is excited to make you a part of 25 years of women's progress in Uganda and beyond. Amongst the programmes are Monitoring of Institutions mandated to promote democracy and good governance from a gender perspective. As citizens, the power is in our hands to make informed constitutional choices.

OUR SILVER JUBILEE

This is a very exciting year for ACFODE. This year, we will be celebrating 25 years of women’s progress, of growth, of partnership with many sisters worldwide, of merging great coalitions, of seeing our babies grow into dynamic organizations and envisioning a way ahead.

The very dedicated and gifted staff and members of ACFODE are working their tails off to ensure that the Silver Jubilee is an event that will set a trail blazer for many generations to come. ACFODE was formed in 1985 by the United Nations Third World Conference on Women held in Nairobi in July that year. Since its inception, ACFODE has raised, nurtured and realized the growth of many formidable women and organizations. A few examples are Uganda Women’s Organisation (UWONET), a membership organization that has made great progress towards gender equality in Uganda. Great women like Dr. Maxine Ankrah, Dr. Hilda Tadria, Dr. Hon Miria Matembe, Judy Kamanyi, Dr. Edith Natukunda and many others have left indelible marks at the organization.

ACFODE also recognizes the many interns that have passed through its programs. Many realize that the experience of being a part of ACFODE many of the unanswered questions that they had after their degrees. ACFODE made clear their own personal visions for life, the importance of self management and also the purpose of gender and women’s empowerment.

One of the former interns, Daphine Agaba, is currently actively participating in reaching out to communities in Kampala, Wakiso and Kisoro on the citizens’ manifesto. She empowers women on their role as citizens and the change they can make through the constitutional process.

ACFODE is grateful to the past and current development partners that have seen it through the decades.

HIVOS
Ford Foundation
Konrad Adenaeur Stiftung
Eirene-International Christian Peace Service
UNIFEM/EU
DFID
African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF)
Marion Doro
diakonia
Independent Development Fund
Trocaire
Action Aid Uganda
Several project partners

The celebrations shall take place during the week of November 15 to 19 2010 and climactize on the 19th, the actual date that ACFODE was formed in 1985. We invite our stakeholders, partners and friends to be a part. We will keep you informed of the updates.

ACFODE ATTENDS WOMEN IN POLITICS CONFERENCE

ACFODE was privileged to attend the Women in Politics Conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo from 13 to 16 June 2010. ACFODE is celebrating its Silver Jubilee this year and one of its core areas is Advocacy for Women’s Effective Participation in Politics and Decision Making.

In her address, Her Excellency, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberian President, congratulated Uganda for the progress on women’s issues and cautions all of us as the general elections draw near. She mentioned the dire state at which Liberia was when she was elected and marked a positive contribution for the years ahead. In an interesting twist, we learnt that Her Excellency suffered a lot of rigging during the electoral process of Liberia at the time and even had to change parties. Her resilience paid off.

In another address, Hon. Martha Karua, EGH, Member of Parliament (Kenya) Party Chairperson/Party Leader NARC Kenya addressed the conference and mentioned several important issues for women. Women must learn to negotiate their space way in advance of elections, and women should stand for the mainstream seats. Instead of waiting for other women to move over, women must stand for the main winning seats. She congratulated Uganda on their women representation in Parliament. Women have a strong voice, are strong as a united body and they have the power of numbers especially when united. Women should be judged by the same standards as their male counterparts. Even though women suffer all kinds of violence to get discouraged, women must be strong and focused. Hon. Karua says even though she has suffered a lot by detractors, she has remained focused and not forgotten the main reason for her political calling.

She concluded by stating that women have the ability to multitask and was appreciative of one delegate who attended the conference with her baby. Stereotypes must be rid of and Hon. Karua stated that she is ready to become the President of The Republic of Kenya.

INTRODUCING ACFODE

Action for Development (ACFODE) is an indigenous, voluntary, non-governmental women’s organization formed in 1985. Its formation was stimulated by the United Nations Third World Conference on Women held in Nairobi in July 1985. The issues raised in this conference raised a need for an organized forum that would formally provide a platform for effective debate and action on issues related to the advancement of women in Uganda.
Vision
A just society where there is gender equality of opportunities in all spheres
Mission
To Promote Women’s Empowerment, Gender Equality and Equity through Advocacy, Networking and Capacity Building of both Women and Men.
Organizational Objectives
• To increase women’s effective involvement in politics and decision-making through building the leadership capacity of potential female leaders at all levels
• To promote good governance and democracy at national, district and local council levels through democracy monitoring and civic education
• To defend and protect women’s rights through elimination of gender based violence and any form of discrimination against women
• To promote formulation and implementation of gender responsive political, economic and social policies as well as programs
• To build and strengthen the capacity of ACFODE and other like-minded civil society organizations for effective implementation of programmes intended to benefit the vulnerable women
ACFODE’s focal areas
ACFODE’s work revolves around five major focal areas:
• Sexual And Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and discrimination
• Women’s rights and opportunities
• Good governance and democracy
• Women’s economic, social and political empowerment
• Institutional development


CONTACT DETAILS
Regina Bafaki
Executive Director
Email address: btregis2002@yahoo.com
Tel: + 256 782 516006