KUMI – In a significant move to address gender-based violence (GBV) and promote women’s economic empowerment, Church of Uganda has launched a transformative seed capital initiative in Kumi Diocese today.
The launch event took place today at St Stephen’s Church of Uganda in Kumi Municipality, Kumi Diocese.
The Bishop of Kumi Diocese, Rt Rev Michael Okwi Esakhan, in his speech read for him by the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Simon Peter Omoding, highlighted the ”ersistent challenges faced by communities in Kumi and across Uganda.
“Kumi, like many other parts of Uganda, still experience a high prevalence of gender-based violence manifested through physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violations,” he stated.
Church of Uganda’s Director of Household and Community Transformation, Rev. Andrew Agaba emphasized the barriers that women continue to face. “Women in Uganda continue to face barriers such as limited access to financial resources, educational disparities, discrimination in workplaces, and negative socio-cultural norms.”
He added, “These obstacles hinder their full participation in the development process and inhibit the realization of their economic potentials. Our goal is a violent-free world where inequality is no longer a barrier to anyone,” he said.
The seed capital initiative aims at enhancing socio-economic opportunities for women and girls to reduce their vulnerability to GBV.
Last year, Church of Uganda through the Directorate of Household and Community Transformation under the interfaith action for Gender justice and women economic empowerment projects supported 12 Village savings and loans association with 12,000,000/ shillings and each group getting 1,000,000/ in Kumi Diocese (Kumi, Bukedea and Ngora Districts).
This year 2024, the project is supporting 30 Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA) with 30,000,000/ shillings each group getting UGX 1,000,000.
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.
According to Rev Andrew Agaba, the project has already seen notable 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 said, “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 said, “Our group received seed capital from 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.”
According to the Program officer for gender justice, Mr. Dennis Ogwang, the launch of this initiative marks a crucial step towards creating a more just and equitable society in Kumi Diocese and beyond.
