KCCA ED CALLS ON WOMEN TO EMBRACE GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki, has urged women across the city to take full advantage of existing government programs designed to economically empower them and accelerate the journey toward gender equality.

Speaking during the belated International Women’s Day celebrations held at City Hall on April 9, under the theme “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality”, Buzeki in a speech delivered on her behalf by the Director for Gender, Production and Community Services Sheila Birugi, emphasized the importance of women’s economic empowerment as a critical step toward eliminating gender-based violence and social exclusion.

“An economically empowered woman is less exposed to violence and exclusion,” Buzeki said. “We urge all women to explore and utilize government initiatives such as the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program (UWEP), the Generation Growth Opportunities for Women (GROW), Emyooga, and the Parish Development Model (PDM), among others.”

The celebration was organized in collaboration with the Kampala Women Council leadership and development partners. It served as a platform to recognize the resilience of women and the strides made towards equality, while also highlighting existing gaps and the need for accelerated efforts.

Buzeki noted that KCCA remains committed to ensuring that women are not left behind in the city’s development agenda. She cited the provision of inclusive services like education, skilling, and health care as vital pillars in achieving gender parity.

“We appreciate the government’s continued efforts to uphold its commitment to building gender-equal and inclusive communities. KCCA will continue to work with partners to create spaces where women and girls can thrive,” Buzeki added.

Participants at the event called for increased awareness, access to information, and support systems that enable more women especially those in marginalized communities to benefit from empowerment programs.