ESAFF Uganda organized different events as part of the 6th annual National Women in Agriculture (WiA) Conference, which featured a significant engagement at Mulatsi Secondary School in Mbale District on 14th October 2024, where women small-scale farmers connected with 74 schoolgirls to discuss critical issues impacting girls' futures, particularly in agriculture. This session, part of the lead-up to the WiA Conference 2024 on 15th October 2024, allowed the girls to voice their challenges while the women leaders shared their experiences and guidance, framed by the conference theme: “Cultivating Change: Building Collaborative Women Voices against Social Exclusion, Poverty, and Hunger.”
The girls, members of the Agroecology Club, expressed various challenges they face, including sexual harassment, climate change, cultural practices, limited access to resources, corruption, personal hygiene, and technology. One girl shared a harrowing experience of attempted sexual abuse by her uncle, highlighting the trauma that such experiences inflict on their education and future. Another girl, Namunono Justine, spoke about the impact of climate change on her family’s farming, recounting how floods devastated their crops and led to food scarcity. Cultural practices, such as early marriage and gender discrimination, further limit girls' opportunities, as illustrated by Joan Busingye's account of being told that education was her only inheritance since land was reserved for boys.
The girls also raised concerns about corruption in the systems, which disproportionately affects those from poorer backgrounds, and the struggle to afford sanitary products, which impacts school attendance. Additionally, they highlighted the barriers to accessing information and technology, which are crucial for competing in an increasingly digital world.
In response, women leaders from the ESAFF Women Forum shared their stories of resilience and provided practical advice. They emphasized the importance of agroecology and sustainable farming practices to combat climate change, encouraging girls to engage with the Agroecology Club. The women also discussed breaking cultural norms that limit women's roles in agriculture and leadership, urging the girls to pursue education and challenge societal expectations.
Addressing the issue of limited access to productive resources, the women explained how they navigated barriers through cooperative groups and advocacy for women’s land rights. They encouraged the girls to participate in community farming initiatives and take advantage of programs aimed at increasing access to resources for young women in agriculture. The leaders also stressed the importance of fighting corruption and advocating for transparency in various sectors, inspiring the girls to take on leadership roles.
Christine Okot, an advocate for menstrual hygiene management, provided practical tips for managing personal hygiene on a budget and accessing affordable sanitary products. The women leaders highlighted the necessity of increasing access to information and technology, encouraging girls to utilize community resources, mobile apps, and agricultural extension services for knowledge and support.
This intergenerational dialogue served as a platform for collective problem-solving and inspiration. The girls left feeling empowered with practical ideas to tackle their challenges, reassured by the presence of supportive women who have faced similar struggles. The women small-scale farmers reaffirmed their roles as mentors and changemakers, recognizing the power of their stories to empower the next generation of women leaders in agriculture.
The ESAFF Women Forum leaders showed their support by providing each girl with sanitary pads, a gesture they greatly appreciated. This engagement, which was part of the WiA Conference 2024, highlights the importance of fostering dialogue between women and girls. ESAFF Uganda advocates for a future that empowers young women to drive change in their communities by tackling issues such as sexual harassment, climate change, cultural practices, corruption, personal hygiene, and limited access to resources and information.
Through the WiA Conference, ESAFF Uganda is not only cultivating change in agriculture but also laying the groundwork for a more equitable and resilient society for all women and girls. Collaborative efforts can empower the next generation, equipping them to face challenges and positively contribute to their communities.
Written by Andrew Adem
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