Religious Leaders pray for Women Advancement

By Valerian Kkonde

PEARL NEWS SERVICE

Under their umbrella Organisation: the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda, religious leaders gathered on March 23, 2012   at Hotel Africana in Kampala, to celebrate the International Women’s Day which is marked on March 8.

The chairman board of governors, Msgr. Charles Kasibante told the prayer breakfast that the purpose was to “use our own experience and faith to reflect on the year’s theme.” This year’s theme is: Connecting girls, Inspiring the Futures.

Msgr. Kasibante who is also the Vicar General of Kampala Archdiocese went on to say that the event brings an opportunity to pray for women’s prosperity the world over, and reflect on the achievements and identify gaps.

“We come together to share our faith perspectives on women and girls, and reflect on the achievements by women and girls and also find out what more needs to be done to enhance the advancement of women and girls. We can then make recommendations to faith-based institutions, government and other actors.”

On 9^th October this year, Uganda will be marking half a century of independence. Msgr. told the prayer breakfast meeting that this offers an opportunity to take stock of what the country has done in terms of women advancement. He said that education, health and gender-based violence are some of the concerns and challenges that need urgent attention.

Others are the participation of women in decision-making in the family and society as well as employment and social beliefs.

“All these have consequences on their health and wellbeing. We need to remove barriers to full attainment of peace, justice and good governance for women and girls in homes and society.”

Promising to always be at the fore front of influencing government and government policy, Msgr. said that IRCU is driven by a philosophy that is inspired and motivated by love and faith in the almighty God through service of humanity, especially the poor and vulnerable of society.

The Director of Justice and Peace Commission- Kampala Archdiocese- Fr. Cyprian Masembe emphasized the partnership of man and woman, right from creation, saying that “it is always man and woman to make this world a better place.”

Testifying before the prayer breakfast, Najibah said that she is one of the girls whose fathers think that girls should get married and be pampered.

“I went to school without using my father’s funds. It was tough. He was being true to the Arab culture. Fortunately it is also changing.

“We are lucky to live in Uganda which is a diverse society.”

For Bagenda Miwanda, the father’s input was instrumental in attaining her education. She was however full of admiration and praises for her grandmother.

“My grand mother penetrated all corners of homes and societies urging parents to send their children to school. Be it boys or girls.”

Society has a negative attitude toward girls who return to school after giving birth. Some parents go to the extent of calling for the dismissal of such girls, reasoning that they will set a bad example to others. Some parents simply consider it a golden opportunity to evade the responsibility of educating their girls who they look at as mere sources of property.

But Robbinah Nattimba received her father’s support to overcome her ordeal. She unwillingly became a mother at the age of 15 while at Ntake primary school. After delivering, her father returned her to school.

“Society was angry and tried to stop my father from educating me. I was already a mother. Fortunately the man who had impregnated me took responsibility and I am married to him.”