There is need to invest in security to empower women – PM

By: Ismael Kasooha

MUNYONYO

The Prime Minister of Uganda Rt. Hon Nabbanja Robinah has stressed the need of investing in the security of nations and the region at large, for women to thrive in their communities.

“To empower women, we must invest in quality education and health. Most importantly, we must invest in the security of our nations and the region at large, for women to thrive in their communities. Minus security, women often become targets of gender-based violence, including sexual violence, trafficking and exploitation,” said Nabbanja.

PM Nabbanja addressing Women Leaders from Sudan during the Annual Peaceful dialogue convened at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala

The Premier made the remarks while delivering a keynote address to Sudanese Women leaders convening at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala for a crucial peace dialogue on lasting peace and stability in Sudan.

Nabbanja said that empowered women play a crucial role in peace building efforts, using their unique perspectives, skills, resilience, among others, to mediate disputes and foster reconciliation.

Nabbanja said Minus security, women often become targets of gender-based violence, including sexual violence, trafficking and exploitation among others.

“As we come together to address the challenges and opportunities facing women in Sudan, we must first recognize the resilience, strength, and unwavering determination that characterize the women of Sudan. The power and potential of Sudanese women knows no bounds,” noted Nabbanja.

She said that it was important that as women of Sudan their voices are heard and held as valuable, especially in our united efforts to bring peace to the African continent.

The purpose of this gathering was to amplify voices and concerns of women and girls of Sudan, enhance coalition building among women and provide a platform for women to jointly articulate and develop a common vision for rebuilding peace in Sudan.

The Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Nabbanja Robinah joined by other women leaders for a group photo at Munyonyo in Kampala during the Sudan women dialogue

The dialogue also aimed at advocating for the inclusion of women in national decision-making, policy formulation, and implementation processes.

Nabbanja said that throughout history, women have been at the forefront of change, driving progress, and shaping the future of our societies.

“Today, as we pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable world, we must utilize the collective power of women to build a better tomorrow for all,” she said.

This conference serves as a platform for women to collectively identify solutions, to share best practices, and to forge a way forward that can propel them towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in Sudan.

The Prime Minister extended warm greetings from the President of the Republic of Uganda H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to the women from Sudan.

“I bring you the warmest greetings from our revolutionary leader, His Excellency General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, who is aware of this very important gathering. As you know, our President has always been available for Africa and the region, and his never-ending efforts, together with other leaders, to pacify the African continent is commendable, especially as seen in countries like South Sudan, Burundi, DRC, Somalia, Central African Republic, and South Africa, among others,” she noted.

Bineta Diop, Special envoy on women, peace and security from the African Union thanked Uganda for being hospitable.

The former Vice President of Uganda Specioza Wandira Kazibwe highlighted the gains made in the women empowerment struggle in Uganda.

Civil war in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has wreaked havoc on the civilian population. The conflict has led to the largest internal displacement crisis in the world, forcing nine million especially women to flee their homes.

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