ACFODE realizes that with the advent of multiparty politics in Uganda, women need to strategically participate in the politics so that their concerns are not marginalized. They should also be able to compete favorably with men in a pluralist system in order to build leverage around their political demands.
In 2010 therefore and in preparation for the 2011 election cycle in Uganda, ACFODE implemented a number of projects aimed at increasing women’s effective participation in politics and decision making. These efforts were not in vain as the number of women politicians/ leaders increased tremendously, with 30% women parliamentarian and 28% female cabinet/ state ministers.
However, most of these women leaders, especially in rural areas lack proficient leadership skills. Therefore, there is need for them to acquire skills in leadership to effectively engage the electorate and their male counterparts at different levels; justifying why ACFODE is now investing a lot in leadership training workshops meant to empower women leaders with resourceful leadership skills.
From the 25th – 26th of July 2011 therefore, ACFODE conducted a leadership training workshop in Soroti district. The objectives of the training were; to enhance the capacity of women councilors at district and sub county level in leadership and decision making processes, to identify advocacy issues/concerns that affect women at local level, and to draw action plans to address issues that affect women at the local level.
A total of 30 participants attended the workshop. Overall, there was a strong sense of appreciation articulated by the participants about the workshop. They were very passionate about the information shared by the trainers and appreciative of the skills acquired.
One of the participants said that: “As a new councillor, this workshop has been beneficial in terms of sharing ideas with other councillors from different sub counties especially on Action planning. I am now able to define my roles and responsibilities as a councillor; actually my mind is refreshed. I am now in a better position to advocate for women’s issues, and empower fellow women in my sub county”
The workshop composition entailed both new and old councillors from 7 Sub Counties, and therefore provided a good networking platform, and experience/ shared learning among the participants.
Several participants even expressed a desire to conduct leadership training in their sub counties. They also vowed to advocate for the following issues within their respective communities:
· Capacity building for women representatives in each sub county.
· Lobby for the inclusion of women on Executive Committee.
· Active monitoring and evaluation of implementation of women’s concerns in the local development plans and budgets.
Submitted By Sandra Nassali
Public Relations & Communications Officer
Action For Development
This is a great project for the women councillors in Uganda.
ReplyDeleteMike @ Presentation Skills Training