Women leaders from all over Uganda gathered at Parliament in Kampala on Monday for the second sitting of the Women’s Parliament. The gathering, which united District Women Chairpersons and female district youth councillors, sought to discuss rural women challenges and provide solutions aimed at improving gender equality and economic empowerment. The gathering was a clear display of solidarity and resolve as women leaders voiced themselves and demanded change.

Among the top issues raised was the challenge that rural women have in accessing government funds under its Grow Program. Most of the leaders pointed to the complicated procedures involved in the application and obtaining the funds, which have been a major hurdle for women trying to enhance their livelihoods. “We request the government to make the process of accessing the funds under the Grow Program easy,” one of the leaders mentioned. “Rural women should not be left behind when it comes to economic empowerment.” The cry for streamlined processes is a call for action to implement government programs down to the masses who need it most. The forum likewise brought attention to the issue of discrimination among female leaders.

Some complained that their political lives are undermined by colleagues, an issue that has inhibited progress towards gender equality. “Discrimination among ourselves is a major challenge,” another leader added. “We need to help each other and promote gender equality at all levels.” The candid discussion underscored the necessity of women leaders, as well as women in general, to unite and dispel internal barriers hindering them from achieving their maximum potential. The qualifications required to secure State House scholarships were a topical issue on the agenda at the meeting. Leaders questioned why these opportunities often seem to benefit only those with connections to the presidency, leaving out many deserving and needy children.

“We want to know why needy children are being left out of these scholarships,” a participant said. The government has to make these opportunities available to all, regardless of their background.” The call for transparency and fairness in the issuance of scholarships highlights the need to create equal opportunities for all Ugandan children, particularly those from poor families. The Women’s Parliament also elected Farida Kibowa as Speaker of the day, a symbolic gesture that emphasized the importance of women leadership and representation. Kibowa’s involvement in guiding the discussions lent the meeting direction and purpose, as participants worked together to identify solutions to the problems of rural women.

The resolutions from the meeting will be laid before President Yoweri Museveni at the International Women’s Day celebrations in Kyankwanzi. The women leaders hope that their grievances will be listened to, paving the way for more gender equity and economic empowerment of women in rural areas of Uganda. The meeting was not only a forum for discussion but also a call to action, as the leaders challenged the government and other stakeholders to take specific actions towards solving the issues that were raised. These concerns expressed at the Women’s Parliament are representative of broader systemic issues which have historically hindered women’s growth in Uganda.

Funding availability, discrimination, and lack of equal opportunity are only a few of the barriers that continue to face women, particularly in rural areas. By bringing these issues forward, the Women’s Parliament has reached a significant step towards making change and creating a more just society. The conference further emphasized the significance of collaboration and collective action towards the fight against gender inequality. Women leaders pleaded for a unison of forces, solidarity, and mutual backing in fighting for policies that would support gender equity and economic empowerment.

United by a single goal, their powerful voice delivered one strong message in regard to how change is attainable when women speak in concert and demand action and accountability. As Uganda prepares to mark International Women’s Day, the discussions at the Women’s Parliament are a reminder of how much is left to be achieved in attaining gender equality. While some progress has been made in enhancing women’s participation in leadership and the rights of women, there are still challenges that exist. The decisions made in the meeting are a road map to striving for the solution to these challenges and making society a better place for all.

The Women’s Parliament is not a session; it is a movement. It is where women can speak out from their experiences, be heard, and advocate for change. In challenging access to finance, discrimination, and unequal opportunities, the Women’s Parliament is building a platform towards a future of better opportunities for women and girls in Uganda. Overall, the second sitting of Parliament of Women was a powerful reaffirmation of Uganda’s women leaders’ resilience and strength.

Their deliberation raised awareness on the predicament of the rural women and proposed recommendations toward enhanced gender balance and economic empowerment. With decisions at the meeting to be brought before President Museveni, hopes are raised that their outcry will be heeded and the change will be tangible. The Women’s Parliament is a real testament to the power of numbers and combined powers, and its impact will definitely be felt for years to come.