The European
Union Ambassador to Uganda, Attilio Pacifici has asked the government to
prioritize the education of girls which is essential in promoting their empowerment.
Speaking at
an empowerment outreach event held at Iganga Secondary School on Friday,
Pacifici said that, violence against women and girls frustrates their ability to
effectively excel and attain their desired goals.
Pacifici
commended the government for its policies on gender equality. He however said
that efforts of enforcing such laws remain a challenge, leaving girls and women
to bear the burden of human rights violations.
Citing the
Ministry of Gender 2018 report which indicated that, one out of every four
girls face violence in and around schools, Pacifici called for the need to
tighten safety measures for the girls, especially in rural areas.
He added that acts of violence frustrate women empowerment programs since most
of them still hold scars of inferiority complex. This he says limits them from
exploring opportunities that are aimed at improving their livelihoods.
//cue in:
“violence against girls…
Cue out…economic,”.
Pacifici
further says that cases of violence against women and girls were largely
highlighted during the covid19 lock-down, living some households impoverished
and unable to return their children to school.
//cue in:
“the covid19 pandemic…
Cue out…out of schools,”.
The State
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Okello Oryem said that the girl child empowerment
outreach is an annual corroborative event between the Ministry, development
partners and members of different foreign missions. It is aimed at highlighting
the plight of women and girls.
Oryem
further notes that such forums offer meaningful debates and long-lasting
solutions aimed at fostering the emancipation of girls in decision-making
processes, irrespective of their age.
