Project Purpose and Description
The purpose of the project is to advocate for a policy that addresses economic concerns of women at grass root level and in this case. The project links to Sustainable Development Goal 5 (a) which points to undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic ressources, as well as access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property, financial services, inheritance and natural resources, in accordance with national laws.
The project focuses on creating a dialogue and forming strategic partnerships to influence local authorities in the area to designate a day in a month for a market of women. This market day for women offers them opportunities to produce, market, sell and negotiate for better prices for their produce hence attainment of equal rights to economic resources.
While the Constitution of Uganda provides mandate to local governments to control and manage markets within their jurisdictions to ensure efficient and effective service delivery and good governance, there is no provision for women markets. In addition, the Uganda National Development Plan Vision 2040 lays much emphasis on economic transformation and wealth creation with no mention of women empowerment to create wealth. Yet, market access is a key issue for women farmers and business owners in raising income and gaining equal rights to economic resources since they are majorly engaged in production of agricultural items. As stipulated in National Development Plan, Growth, Employment and Socio-Economic Transformation for Prosperity’ ought to be aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 5 of Gender Equality.
In this regard, XXXXXXX is to engage local authorities particularly Kaberebere Town Council Leaders to include establishment of a Women Market in the council planning through designation of a women market day. This will lead to gender equality since it enables women to have control over economic resources as well as ownership of property and finance resulting into socio-economic transformation which is consistent with the NDP. Women’s equal access to and control over economic and financial resources is critical for the achievement of gender equality and empowerment of women and for equitable and sustainable economic growth and development.
With a designated Women Market day; women are empowered to have a voice to speak and influence services at grassroot level that benefit women to attain gender equality. Through a Women Market, women gain access to markets, trade, credit and better prices. This is because ; for a long time, women are denied apportunities to negotiate and determine prices for their agricultural products widening the gap for market access and business opportunities. Yet, women already do much of the work in this male-dominated value chains sector such as production and supply of agricultural produce.
The main objective of the Project is to advocate for a designated women market day in Kaberebere Town Council ; Isingiro District. Specific objectives include:
- Influence policy through dialogue to address women economic rights;
- Engage with local leader to include women economic concerns in their planning;
- Create a platform for women to have access and control over economic resources.
With désignation of Women Market Day, rural and grassroot women will consolidate their voice to negotiate for better prices, access competitive markets and increase their incomes at household levels. This will in the long run inspire and motivate all women in various communities to promote their economic rights leading to achievement of gender equality and sustainable development.
Expected Result
- Policy advocacy meetings held with Kaberebere Town Council leaders
- Consideration of inclusion of a Women Market in council planning ;
- Strategic Partnerships and networks built with local authorities in the area ;
- Women leaders encouraged, motivated and inspired to promote gender equality
Activities
- Project Inception Meeting with Town Council Local Authorities: a one-day meeting involving 40 participants is to be held to introduce the project highlighting its aims and objective for embracement and acceptance by all leaders.
- Hold a dialogue meeting with town council women representatives: a one-day meeting with women councillors is to be held to build strategic partnerships and networks to gain their support for influencing the women market policy consideration;
- Hold a dialogue meeting with town council leaders: a one-day meeting with all councillors of the town council is to be held in which a highlight of the need for a Women Market is discussed;
- Presentation of a Women Market Policy paper: a one-day meeting is to be held during the council routine meetings to present a brief on the importance and benefits of a Women Market day in the area;
- Follow up, monitoring and reporting: all activities are to be followed and reports produced and shared with all stakeholders.
Methodology
Working with local authorities and already existing women groups under Credit Access for Rural Development (CARD) program; a unique systematic bottom-up approach is applied engaging women to be in charge of their own decisions. Guided by our key functional areas of training and awareness creation women are involved, engaged and empowered to stimulate their thinking and change their minds to put acquired knowledge and skills into practice through their own participation. We have worked with women and youth in Isingiro district and we therefore know them better in terms of their concerns, interests, potential, qualities, abilities and challenges. We have influenced them to utilize opportunities that come their way without violence or resistance so as to attain sustainable development. We have guided them to establish saving and credit schemes which paved way for women and youth to become self-reliant hence sustainable income leading to socio-economic transformation.
Partnerships
- During implementation of this projects, partnerships shall be with the following:
- Women groups in Kaberebere town council
- Farmer groups in Isingiro district
- Local Council Leaders (LC 1, LC 2, LC 3, LC 5)
- Kaberebere Town Council (TC) production and development departments
- Isingiro district production and market department.
