In a significant effort to address gender-based violence (GBV) and promote women’s economic empowerment, the Church of Uganda launched a transformative seed capital initiative in Kumi Diocese on Monday. The launch event was held at St. Stephen’s Church of Uganda in Kumi Municipality.
The Bishop of Kumi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Michael Okwi Esakhan, delivered a speech through the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Simon Peter Omoding, emphasizing the ongoing challenges in Kumi and across Uganda.
“Kumi, like many other parts of Uganda, still experiences a high prevalence of gender-based violence manifested through physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violations,” he stated.
Rev. Andrew Agaba, the Church of Uganda’s Director of Household and Community Transformation, highlighted the various barriers women face.
“Women in Uganda continue to encounter obstacles such as limited access to financial resources, educational disparities, workplace discrimination, and negative socio-cultural norms,” he said.
“These challenges hinder their full participation in the development process and inhibit the realization of their economic potential. Our goal is a violent-free world where inequality is no longer a barrier to anyone.”
The seed capital initiative aims to enhance socio-economic opportunities for women and girls, thereby reducing their vulnerability to GBV. Last year, through the Directorate of Household and Community Transformation under the interfaith action for gender justice and women’s economic empowerment projects, the Church of Uganda supported 12 Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA) with a total of 12,000,000 shillings, with each group receiving 1,000,000 shillings in Kumi Diocese, covering Kumi, Bukedea, and Ngora Districts.
This year, the project is supporting 30 VSLAs with 30,000,000 shillings, providing each group with 1,000,000 shillings.
Key Activities of the Project Include:
Training and Capacity Building: Offering programs to enhance financial literacy and business development support for women, helping them start and manage income-generating activities.
Access to Financial Services: Formation of 42 Village Savings and Loans Associations in Kumi, Bukedea, and Ngora Districts, with financial literacy training and seed capital provided to improve financial management and decision-making abilities.
Faith Leader Training: Training faith leaders and community activists to prevent and respond to GBV, and conducting community awareness campaigns on gender equality and the benefits of economic empowerment.
Advocacy Efforts: Local, national, and international advocacy efforts, including events like International Women’s Day celebrations and gender dialogues with parliamentarians.
Rev. Andrew Agaba noted the project’s successes, including expanded financial inclusion for women, successful business ventures, increased community awareness of gender justice, and the empowerment of faith leaders to actively promote gender justice.
Beneficiaries Speak Out
Amuge Zaituna, the Chairperson of Kachede Al-Haki Group in Bukedea District, remarked, “This project has greatly reduced our vulnerability to gender-based violence, as financial independence allows us to make better decisions for ourselves and our families. Our group, along with many others, now has the means to sustain ourselves and contribute to the local economy.”
Rev. Odongo James of Mori Group shared, “Our group received seed capital from the Church of Uganda and invested in sheep farming because they are drought-resistant and can yield quick profits, as they can give birth twice a year and have a ready market. This venture has not only provided us with a steady income but also strengthened our resilience against economic hardships.”
Mr. Dennis Ogwang, the Program Officer for Gender Justice, emphasized that the launch of this initiative is a crucial step towards creating a more just and equitable society in Kumi Diocese and beyond.