By Janet Moriku

Arua

CEFORD in partnership with Aga Khan Foundation have held a workshop to disseminate the findings of a survey conducted on their Strengthening Women and Girls Empowerment through Economic Program (SWEET) pilot project.

The workshop that was held at white castle hotel in Arua district on Tuesday August 1, was attended leaders from the pilot parishes and both Arua city and district.

The SWEET program coordinator Kennedy Ayeyo revealed that the project targets to break barriers in women transformation. “The project is addressing barriers in women empowerment and economic transformation”, Mr. Ayeyo said.

Godwin Ochen the project coordinators explained that more than 200 of the target 400 beneficiaries have already been enrolled on different skilling trainings which among others include shoe making, soap making, tailoring and others.

Alfred Okuonzi the Arua district chairman in his opening remarks, expressed joy saying that it is a good number to start with. He said, “that is enough to begin with, we have to build more on these and  those whom we have helped, we have to decide on them, when we decide with them, they have to reach their peers, so we have to have  what we call multiplier effect. I am Happy with the project, let us join hands, for us we shall corporate with you.”

 
R-L -Arua DRDC Ham Ezama, Alfred Okuonzi Arua district chairman and Kalsum Fadimula during the workshop
 
Kennedy Chande a representative of Aga khan foundation who joined the meeting online from Nairobi said that the AGECS which stands for Advancing Gender Equality through Civil Society works in five countries in Africa which includes Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and Madagascar is intended to bridge gender gaps in the community for development.

Chande explained that, “ AGECS is actually an initiative that is implemented in five countries in Africa, we have Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and Madagascar and what we are trying to do is to come up with these innovative ideas to bridge those gaps between boys and girls, women and men, so that we can enjoy  some equality in a way, you know in accessing resources and opportunities to develop”

The survey was conducted RASO services Uganda limited and some of its recommendations where presented by Ivan Masete. “one CEFORD should monitor the evaluation process of the project, conduct continuous capacity building trainings, uplift the economic status of women with emphasis in agricultural enterprises and this will be done through promoting climate smart agricultural practices, technologies and good post-harvest handling practices.”

He continued to highlight the recommendations as, “support and promote initiatives that increase women and girl’s access to and control over resources, support meaningful participation of cultural and religious institutions and leaders, CEFORD should be more visible and accessible in the target communities, lastly is that there is need for CEFORD to develop a comprehensive plan to generate sustainable local funding.”

Most of the participants concurred with the finding but emphasized that CEFORD should take up the recommendations seriously. Kalsum Fadimula who was representing the Mayor Ayivu division and Ham Ezama the Arua deputy RDC pledged governments support for the project in their closing remarks. “We have taken it on special note and it has opened our eyes, especially the areas where are supported to intervene, for us as government we are ready to do it” said Kalsum.

The SWEET project was launched on January 25^th 2023 with an aim of skilling at least 400 girls and women from 4 pilot parishes in Arua district and city.

COVER PHOTO: Stakeholders during the workshop at White Castle Hotel in Arua district on Tuesday By Janet Moriku