By Jumah Kakomo
The Opposition Uganda people’s Congress (UPC) party Women league on Wednesday launched the policy document to define their participation in politics.
The policy document is composed of their major concepts which include, the UPC Women’s League Charter, Gender Policy, and Sexual harassment Policy which all aim at creating an enabling environment for all Women to fully and thoroughly participate in politics among others.
The concept of women’s participation is conceived as the process and an outcome related to women’s engagement in political and economic institutions by participating in bureaucracies, policy-making bodies, and representative organizations.
Addressing the gathering during the launch of the policy document at UPC headquarters Kampala, the minister for Gender, labor and social development (MGLSD) Betty Among who was the chief guest noted that Women in politics should embrace political parties because it is a gateway to politics and to contest in an elections.
“Political parties are very important, a reason why people are always fighting to lead them because it is where power belongs, “Among said.
She further advised Women to mobilize each other to always participate in politics since they play a great role towards economic development of the country and ensuring effective service delivery.
“We are soon conducting Women league elections in the country, however we should ask ourselves how prepared we are” said Among.
Regarding the concepts on the policy document, Among says with the initiative Women have greatly contributed on the work the ministry does.
“As the ministry we also supposed to protect Women and I encourage even other political parties/organizations to be with such policy/policies, “Among stated.
The gathering also hosted active Women in politics under their umbrella body “Inter party Women’s platform (IWOP) which combines various political parties regardless of ideologies. It was established to mobilize each other and share ideas on how to go about the problems of sexual harassment among others.
The president of the opposition Democratic Party (DP) Women’s League, Hajjat Aisha Waligo who also attended to the ceremony said without Women in politics, there will be poor delivery of services, which in turn affects community development.
She added that cases of sexual harassment are committed in secrets against Women, and only a few manage to speak out.
“Apart from financial and biological bottlenecks, sexual assaults is a serious scarecrow that has caused many Women to pull out of active politics, letting their male counter parts compete freely,” Waligo stated.
Meanwhile the UPC president Jimmy Akena pledged to support the party Women in all aspects so that they fully participate in politics across the country.
“My office is always open and am here to support you as we recently did to the Women legislator of Oyam North constituency of Oyam district Dr. Eunice Apio Atuko during the by-election,”Akena stated.
