Hon. Mutuuzo signing a placard for the project closure of ECAWA and SWISA projects at the commemoration of the International Day of Rural Women, Fair Hotel
The Minister of State for Gender and Cultural Affairs, Hon. Dr. Peace Mutuuzo, commended the Enhancing the Capacity of Young Women in Agribusiness (ECAWA) and Strengtheningthe Rural Women Farmers Involvement in Strategic Agricultural Related Activities (SWISA) projects for complementing the government of Uganda’s programmes.
This was revealed at the recently concluded International Day of Rural Women themed, “Rural women sustaining nature for our collective future,” which was organised by the Young Farmers’ Federation of Uganda in collaboration with the German Association of Rural Women at Fairway Hotel.
“The government appreciates such initiatives that come to compliment government programmes in place, such as the Parish Development Model, GROW, and UWEP, among others,” she revealed.
Hon. Peace also extended her appreciation to GIZ for supporting these two projects targeting rural women, and this is very critical in terms of empowering the women in rural areas.
Mutuuzo urged the rural women to keep track of the achievements of the projects in their communities.
“It is also important to note that women-owned businesses have been observed to impact positively on both employment and wealth creation,” she added.
She further revealed that women-led businesses contribute to the promotion of a more equitable distribution of income, stimulate local development, and promote the culture of entrepreneurship.
“The German Association of Rural Women has worked closely with UNYFA, UNFFE, and many other local actors to support women in rural areas in building stronger livelihoods, growing their leadership, and contributing to sustainable rural development, said Mrs. Petra Petra Bentkämper, President of the German Association of Rural Women.
She added, “Our cooperation has focused on four core areas: from capacity building and economic empowerment, to organisational development, networking, and advocacy. Projects like ECAWA and SWISA are part of this broader effort, and they have shown what’s possible when rural women are given the tools, the space, and the support to grow.”
Judith Esaburu, a project beneficiary of ECAWA, empowered 24 female youths with a vital skill of making energy-saving stoves that promote environmental sustainability.
Inspired by her experience in Germany through the exchange programme embedded in the project, Judith identified a pressing challenge in her community. “Upon my return from Germany, I noticed women walking long distances to fetch firewood, and the use of open fires was causing destruction to households, especially during the dry season,” she explained.
This sparked the idea to create smoke-free cooking environment that use less firewood. “Through lobbying and advocacy, I was able to secure opportunities for my group. I’ve come to realize that women are often overlooked when they lack empowerment and skills, but their visibility increases when they possess these abilities,” Esaburu added.
According to Denis Kabiito, CEO, UNYFA, the event wouldn’t have been organised without support from the German government. “We wouldn’t be here if the German government didn’t facilitate us,” he said.
Kabiito rooted for this international holiday to be also nationally recognised by the government of Uganda like other public holidays which are both celebrated Nationally and Internationally.
He also upon all women who are stewards of the land, strong advocates for women’s empowerment, and key ingredients in the development of rural communities to stand up and come into elective politics to bring about key issues of women.
“If we have collective action for a collective future, then we will see more women standing,” he said.
Through the Enhancing the Capacity of Young Women in Agribusiness project we have been implementing for the past two and a half years, UNYFA has witnessed inspiring stories of change, revealed Vincent Ariaka Vincent Ariaka. “Rural women and young female farmers have received training, mentorship, and exposure to modern agribusiness practices.”
About the ECAWA Project
The Enhancing the Capacity of Young Women in Agribusiness (ECAWA) project has been implemented by the Young Farmers’ Federation of Uganda with support from the German Association of Rural Women.
The project’s overall goal was to improve the livelihoods of 400 rural female youth in the Northern (Lira, Apac, and Oyam) and West Nile (Arua, Madi-okollo, and Maracha).
Additionally, the project aimed to create 20 agro-entrepreneurs through intentional agribusiness skilling and role modelling, to enhance women’s inclusion in agribusiness through strengthened farmer institutional development, to amplify the needs and interests of rural female youths in agribusiness, and to expose and network 20 women through international study tours organized by the German Association of Rural Women, dlv.
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