ACFODE, on behalf of Women in Democracy Group (WDG) held a regional dialogue in Northern Uganda with participants from Lira, Apac, Dokolo and Oyam districts.
WDG is a coalition of four organizations with a common goal of gender transformation. They include Action for Development (ACFODE), Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE), Center for Women in Governance (CEWIGO) and Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET) as the coordinating body.
The goal of the dialogue was to foster a conducive environment for women to freely participate in political space and decision making at Local Council and parliamentary level.
Seventy participants attended some of which for instance Regional Police Commanders from Mid North, District Security Officers, Residential District Commissioners, District Police Commanders, women in politicians, women from Civil Society Organizations and representatives from the Electoral Commission (District Returning Officers).
The Deputy Resident District Commissioner Lira, Mr. Opio Bob gave the opening remarks.
He thanked ACFODE and other WDG partners for organizing the dialogue in Lango sub region.
“On behalf of the Government of Uganda, I thank ACFODE for having brought the people of Uganda especially the various stakeholders in Lango sub region to empower them as far as their roles in creating a conducive environment for women's political participation are concerned.”
A presentation on the role of the Electoral Commission in creating a conducive environment for women’s participation in politics was made. It was noted that the Electoral Commission was fully aware about promoting an environment that favors women’s involvement in politics. He observed that in order to have free and fair elections, a number of policies had been put in place that included the following among others; The Constitution which gives mandate to all Ugandans to choose their own leaders and stand for elective positions, The Electoral Commission Act, The Presidential Elections Act, The Parliamentary Act and The Local Government Act.
A number of issues were raised by the participants noting that they needed urgent attention by the Electoral Commission because they were considered as hindrances to women’s participation in politics and decision making. These include; communication barriers with Persons with Disabilities, Women’s reproductive and sexual rights for instance pregnancy and low voter education in the region.
The role of the police in creating a favorable political environment for women was also another issue tackled during the dialogue.The presentation was made Otim Raymond, the Regional Police Commander Mid North. He commended the organizers for inviting the police to the dialogue. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity given to him to share with the participants how the police had joined hands with other noting that,
“The protection and enforcement of rights of women is not a monopoly of the police but rather various social actors including religious leaders, civil society organizations and women among others.”
Other presentations on the role of other community stake holder were the media that of Civil Society Organizations and the community were also discussed.
In his closing remarks, Mr Otim Raymond applauded all participants for the insightful contributions towards the dialogue. He also thanked ACFODE for organizing the dialogue and bringing the various stakeholders in Lango sub region together.
He urged every one to have a role in ensuring that women have a conducive environment for participation in politics. He noted that,
“There should be a clear understanding of the role of the different actors if a conducive environment for women to participate in politics is to be realized.”
He concluded by stressing that cultural leaders had a big role in this as well since they have a lot of influence in their spheres. He further stressed the fact that cultural leaders have a big role to play in as far as educating the public on women's rights was concerned; especially the importance of women in politics.
He reminded participants that they all had a paramount role in supporting women's participation in politics for a better future stressing that 'where there's an empowered woman, there is development.'
Submitted By Sandra Nassali
Public Relations & Communications Officer
Action For Development
No comments:
Post a Comment