UWOPA ORGANISED HIGH-LEVEL STAKEHOLDER DIALOGUE WITH THE PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA

25th Nov to 10th December 2022 was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which is Human Rights Day, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign is a time to galvanize action to end violence against women and girls around the world under the Theme ‘’ Orange the Parliament, End violence against women and girls.”

As part of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign 2022, Uganda Women Parliamentary Association together with the Embassy of Netherlands, the Embassy of Sweden, UN Women, and other UN Agencies conducted  a high-level stakeholder’s dialogue with Members of Parliament, Representatives from relevant Ministries (Education, Gender, Health, Justice, Religious and Cultural Leaders, Women Movement Leaders ,District Local Governments and beneficiaries, ) and development partners on:  The progress of Uganda on ending violence against women and girls, teen pregnancy and early marriages. Under the Theme: “UNITE! Activism to End Violence against Women and Girls”

The Guest of Honor was the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon Tayebwa Thomas.  In his remarks, he appreciated the invitation and commended UWOPA for the great work they are doing towards the fight against GBV on women and Girls. He further indicated that the government of Uganda has realized the development of laws towards GBV, teenage pregnancies and sexual harassment, and some the laws include:

From 25 Nov is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women up to 10 December, which is Human Rights Day, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign is a time to galvanize action to end violence against women and girls around the world under the Theme ‘’ Orange the Parliament, End violence against women and girls.”

As part of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign 2022, Uganda Women Parliamentary Association together with the Embassy of Netherlands, the Embassy of Sweden, UN Women, and other UN Agencies conducted  a high-level stakeholder’s dialogue with Members of Parliament, Representatives from relevant Ministries (Education, Gender, Health, Justice, Religious and Cultural Leaders, Women Movement Leaders ,District Local Governments and beneficiaries, ) and development partners on:  The progress of Uganda on ending violence against women and girls, teen pregnancy and early marriages. Under the Theme: “UNITE! Activism to End Violence against Women and Girls”

The Guest of Honor was the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon Tayebwa Thomas.  In his remarks, he appreciated the invitation and commended UWOPA for the great work they are doing towards the fight against GBV on women and Girls. He further indicated that the government of Uganda has realized the development of laws towards GBV, teenage pregnancies and sexual harassment, and some the laws include:

 

- The Domestic Violence Act of 2010

- The Penal Code Act

- The employment act on Sexual Harassment

- Prohibition of Genital Mutilation

- Children’s amendment act of 2016

He further added that a committee was established to ensure that the laws made are implemented and to look for gaps in the existing laws.’

 He also promised to liaise with the prime minister’s office and have issues of Gender based violence included in the coming annual budget.

He further indicated that he would support the construction of shelters for victims of GBV, teenage pregnancy and early child marriages once issues are tabled on the floor of parliament. He however advised that, the fight towards GBV should be taken to the grass roots, since most cases are there.

He called upon men to appreciate the work women do in homes. They should not look at women as slaves and less human. “Why do I have to tell my wife to make me a cup of coffee as if I have no hands”.

 He concluded by calling for a collective responsibility and advised MPs to devise means of handling and shaming men who beat their wives if they want female votes, this is a tactic that will partly bring back dignity towards women.