SINGIDA: LOCAL government authorities and other development partners in the country have been asked to increase efforts in protecting and defending women’s rights and equality in order to accelerate sustainable development for all groups in the community.
The appeal was made here by Ikungi District Commissioner (DC), Mr Thomas Apson, during a sensitisation event dubbed ‘Care and Support’ which was intended to recognise and appreciate the work, services and care done by women in the society.
“When we focus on examining the development of our society, we cannot forget the important contribution made by women. Our women, our mothers, our sisters and our daughters contribute to a large extent in the daily tasks,” the DC noted.
“It is time to recognise and appreciate this unique contribution made by women in building a society with prosperity and sustainable development.”He further observed that despite efforts made by the government and various development partners in bringing equality in various fields, there were still many challenges that needed to be addressed to ensure gender equality is achieved.
He said the local government authorities along with various development partners should focus more on bringing about changes aimed at reducing violence against women, improve the division of responsibilities in the society and use time saving technologies to reduce the burden of their daily works at home.
Community Development Officer for Ikungi District council, Ms Haika Massawe confirmed that the Council in collaboration with UN-Women, has been empowering women economically and preventing gender-based violence in the area.
“Ikungi District Council in collaboration with UN-Women, has enabled more than 1,000 women benefiting through productive participation in value chain of sunflower and vegetable crops,” she explained.
During the event, UN-Women issued 100 clean cooking stoves worth more than 12m/- to women entrepreneurs residing in Puma and Unyaghumpi villages, Ikungi District as part of their contribution in reducing the burden of work done by women and girls at their homes.