Gender Equality and Gender Based Violence Dialogue, Innovation Challenge Awards and Hand over of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to Artisanal Miners
Private Sector Gender-Based Violence Dialogue and Awards ceremony, as well as handing over of equipment for women artisanal miners was held as a commemorative activity to mark the end of 2021, 16 days of activism Against Gender-Based Violence at Hotel Africana, Kampala on 10th December 2021 from 9:00 am- 1:00 pm.
The event was held as a joint partnership of Private Sector Foundation Uganda ( PSFU), the European Union through the spotlight initiative, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, and the United Nations Development Programme ( UNDP).
The dialogue was focused on the role of the Private Sector in leading Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment inclusive of a panel session focusing on being deliberate on the role of government and private sector in promoting gender equality, Women Empowerment & eliminating GBV in the workplace. The panelists included Dr. Barbara Ofwono Buyondo - CEO, Victorious Education Services, Mr. Douglas Opio - ED, Federation of Uganda Employers, Ms. Fiona Nuwamanya - Director Finance and Administration, Medical Concierge Group, Ms. Naomi Nangoku Mumoita- Senior Mineral Dresser, MEMD and Mr. Thomas Odelok - Karamoja Women Umbrella Organisation.
The 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an important annual campaign where stakeholders and development actors discuss the status and strategies to advocate for the elimination of gender-based violence in societies. Gender-Based Violence in Uganda remains a critical bottleneck to the achievement of gender equality. It manifests itself in various ways - physical, sexual harassment, sex - trafficking and forced labor, sexual coercion and abuse, neglect of responsibility for household members and domestic violence.'' As stated by Ms. Elise Attafuah, Resident Representative United Nations Development Programme UNDP.
In attendance at the event was: The representative from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Ms. Susan Muwanga, The representative from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Ms. Nassuna Grace, The representative from the Ministry of Trade Industry and Cooperatives, Ms. Margaret Luzige, The representative of the European Union Delegation to Uganda, Ms. Caroline Adriaensen, The vice Chairperson of Private Sector Foundation Uganda Hon. Victoria, Ssekitoleko. The Executive Director, Private Sector Foundation Uganda, Mr. Stephen Asiimwe. Representatives of the Private Sector Companies, local government, civil society organizations, and the media fraternity.
