By Matthew Okello
TORORO
The UN Women Country Representative in Uganda, Paulina Chiwangu has called for the review of the Spotlight Initiative implementation strategy as the organization is currently preparing for phase two of the project.
The UN women through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development is currently implementing the Spotlight Initiative in 7 districts of Uganda including Amudat, Arua, Kampala, Kasese, Kitgum, Kyegewa and Tororo with the purpose of achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Chiwangu who was at Amagoro court hall in Tororo district for familiarization tour in Tororo says despite the efforts being undertaken by the program, there are still numerous incidences of physical and sexual based violence registered in the community.
Due to this, Chiwangu has called for the review of the operation strategy as they transit to the second phase of the project so that workable tools are adopted to the benefiting communities and the outdated programs are phased out so that tangible change is realized.
She noted that there is no way a country can have peace and create wealth for her citizenry in a gender discriminatory society.
After seeing the content of Parish Development model, Chiwangu asked Ugandans to embrace the program because when well implemented, it’s a big hope for the community calling upon other African countries to adopt the model.
Albert Amula, the Tororo district deputy RDC said there is no way this country can achieve its development goals if the women are left out, hence supporting the Spotlight Initiative agenda because it’s in line with the national development plan III.
Later, the team went to Merikit Women Network to witness the various development programs the group has initiated with support from National Association of Women’s Organisations in Uganda (NAWOU), one of the organizations implementing Spotlight initiative.
Claire Hawkins, the Women Peace and security specialist at the UN women was pleased with the achievements of Merikit women and promised to further support them.
