214 trained on Gender issues in Butta, Manafwa District

214 trained on Gender issues in Butta, Manafwa District

In a groundbreaking move towards gender equality and resilience to climate change, the Mount Elgon Tree Growing Enterprise (METGE) has been awarded a transformative project titled \”Advancing Gender Equality for Climate Change Resilience and Adaptation in Manafwa District, Eastern Uganda.\”

The project aims to increase gender participation in climate change and natural resource management. It is funded by the Welsh Government’s Wales and Africa Scheme, administered by WCVA, and implemented by Size of Wales. Implementation of the project began on May 1, 2024, and it is set to benefit communities in Fuluma Village and Bulako Parish, Butta Subcounty, Manafwa District.

The expected outcomes of the project include:

 a) Empowering women to achieve greater control over natural resource management, increasing household food production and nutrition, and improving access to information and technologies;

b) Enhancing entrepreneurial and marketing skills, supporting women to adapt to and be resilient to climate change impacts, encouraging the use of clean and fuel-efficient cooking stoves, and increasing the number of women and other marginalized groups in leadership roles within the community.

The main activities of the project are:

a) Training women in land use planning, agroforestry, and soil/water conservation to adapt to climate change;

b) Creating new economic opportunities for women in Bulako Parish;

 c) Increasing knowledge and strengthening decision-making among project beneficiaries;

d) Promoting resilient livelihood opportunities and technologies.

The project will directly benefit 1,350 people at the household level in Manafwa District. It will support nine Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) groups (each comprising 25 members), reaching 225 people (40% men and 60% women); assist 150 households in practicing sustainable land management (SLM) practices; and support 300 households in constructing and installing Lorena stoves.

In light of these goals, a five-day intensive and transformative training program on gender roles for climate change and resilience, as well as gender champions, was conducted in Butta, Manafwa District. The training benefited 214 community members (158 females and 56 males) and trained 30 gender champions (19 females and 11 males).

This initiative aims to empower women and promote gender equality within the community, marking a pivotal step towards addressing gender disparities and enhancing women\’s roles in local development and climate change resilience.

The training focused on gender-based violence, women\’s rights, economic empowerment, and leadership skills. Participants engaged in interactive sessions, group discussions, and practical activities designed to equip them with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate for gender equality and improve their socio-economic status.

\”We believe that gender equality is fundamental for sustainable development,\” said Joyce Kimono, a Gender and Safeguarding Officer at METGE. \”This training is an essential step in equipping women with the knowledge and tools to advocate for their rights and improve their communities. When women are empowered, they can drive change and contribute significantly to the development of their communities.\”

Kimera Rogers, a Community Development Officer in Bukhiende Sub-county, conducted the training. \”Empowering women is not just about individual growth; it’s about community development,\” Kimera stated. \”When women are empowered, entire communities benefit. They become leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers who can address local issues more effectively.\”

Participants found the training to be incredibly enlightening and beneficial. \”This training has been an eye-opener for many of us,\” said Sarah Wetsetse, a community member. \”We have learned so much about our rights and how we can work together to support each other and our communities. It has given us the confidence to stand up for our rights and pursue opportunities that were previously out of reach.\”

\”The interactive sessions allowed us to share our personal experiences and learn from one another,\” said Grace Kilalu, another participant. \”We now have a stronger support network and feel more connected to our community.\”

\”Our goal is to create a society where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive,\” stated Simon Wayaka, an Extension Officer at METGE. \”By empowering women, we are laying the foundation for a more just and equitable community. This training is part of our broader mission to support sustainable development through community engagement and empowerment.\”

The success of the training program was evident as participants expressed their gratitude and commitment to applying their newfound knowledge. \”We are ready to take what we’ve learned back to our communities and make a real difference,\” said Jessica Nabirye. \”This is just the beginning of a journey towards greater gender equality in Manafwa.\”

As the training concluded, participants and organizers reflected on the progress made and the work that still lies ahead. \”We have made significant strides, but there is still much to be done,\” said Kimera. \”We must continue to support these women and ensure that the momentum from this training is sustained. Together, we can create a more equitable and prosperous future for everyone in Manafwa.\”