Minister for Information Hon Judith Nabakooba has said women in Uganda have demonstrated a resilient and strong character during the COVID-19 pandemic, a reason why government has picked them to lead the country’s recovery efforts.
Nabakooba’s remarks are part of government’s message to citizens ahead of International Women’s Day celebrations slated for tomorrow March 8th 2021.
In the statement, Nabakooba said women have been exceptional in Uganda’s efforts against COVID-19 with demonstrated resilience and strength in character throughout the COVID-19 pandemic on top of providing leadership at all levels from the top national level to the households in the communities.
“Because of their sacrifice, many lives were saved and communities maintained a regular supply of food and other resources. There is no doubt that Uganda survived the worst effects of the pandemic because of the sacrifice the women put in” part of the statement reads.
“As we celebrate this women’s day, government of Uganda is going to tap into this unique power of women. Women are now more than ready to lead the country’s COVID-19 recovery efforts” she said.
National celebrations will scientifically be held at State House Entebbe under the theme; Building on strength of women’s strength for a better future in a COVID-19 world. President Yoweri Museveni will be the chief guest at the event.
However, Nabakooba also noted that the important role played by women throughout the pandemic was plagued by challenges as the period saw a rise in cases of domestic violence 80 percent of which involved women as victims.
Nabakooba highlighted a number of interventions the Government of Uganda has rolled out to put women at the front including Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program, Skilling of women and building capacity to establish value addition centers, Emyooga programs, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Agriculture Credit Facility among others.
She pledged that through her ministry, government will continue to get support to embrace ICTs and connect them to regional and international markets.