It is a basic human right for women to enjoy full legal equality and equality of opportunity, to have the same life prospects as any man. The Ugandan society stands to benefit more if the full potential of women, who constitute more than half the population is equitably harnessed. This can only be facilitated by the elimination of the socio-cultural obstacles which prevent women from equitable access to opportunities in a male-dominated society. Despite the structural limitations, effective women representation that is essential for women to know and demand for their rights is also lacking.
The IWCA Uganda Chapter works to lobby and advocate for women involvement in coffee activities, including meaningful involvement in leadership activities. Through this, the focus is on powering women to take part in decision making at policy and strategic level, within their communities and at the national level. IWCA Uganda Chapter is making this possible by, inter alia:
- Conduct community advocacy campaigns to promote equitable and inclusive participation of women across the coffee value chain.
- Carry out outreach in communities and schools to engage leaders, mentor women, and promote women’s empowerment opportunities.
- Use art, media, role plays, and mentoring to challenge harmful social norms and promote equal potential and rights for women, men, girls, and boys.
- Develop and distribute clear, locally translated IEC materials to raise awareness of women’s role in community and national development.
- Deliver confidence-building activities by sharing success stories that encourage women’s leadership, participation, and advocacy for their rights.
