MS Uganda Newsletter December 2006

A win - win situation

Equal sharing of responsibilities for the family by men and women, and a harmonious partnership between them are critical to their well-being and that of their families as well

By Mads Benedictus Jørgensen, Director MS Uganda

01 December 2006

MS believes in equal opportunities for both men and women. And intends to continue integrating gender in its programme and policies. With the notion of nurturing and strengthening the attitude of both men and women towards respecting their gender roles and responsibilities. In order to have collective efforts in combating the ever increasing poverty levels and to instil respect of human dignity right from household level.

Beliefs like, “women are supposed to be at home producing and taking care of children and not in the public arena” have consequences on development which may cause low income at family level or women shying away from leadership positions. Such beliefs are not healthy for wealth creation or sustainable decision making and planning.

The declaration of the Beijing platform for action fourth UN world conference on women September 1995 says:

- Equal rights, opportunities and access to resources, equal sharing of responsibilities for the family by men and women, and a harmonious partnership between them are critical to their well-being and that of their families as well as to the consolidation of democracy.

It is now over 10 years since this statement was made and lot is still desired to realize satisfying equality.

In 2002 MS Uganda launched a gender policy that runs to 2007. It is time for the MS family to reflect on whether we are making any difference towards a win – win position for equality between women and men, or are we simply preaching gender to deaf ears?

The struggle for agitating for women rights in Uganda started way back in the 1940s but until now, it has not reached satisfying levels in many parts of the county. Although, Uganda now records more women representation in leadership positions and the ministry of education records increased girl child enrolment, girl child school drop out continues to be a challenge. Domestic violence and child abuse are also problems which seem not to be reducing.

This brings a situation of wondering if all the gender policies at national and local levels will make a difference in a foreseeable future.

It is high time that each individual Ugandan internalises the gender policies and contributes to respecting and working together as men and women. Since contribution from everybody is vital in the growth and development of the society. We may also need to ask ourselves as civil society to what extent are we involving men when we are addressing gender issues.

This MS Uganda newsletter issue highlights on the history and progress of working with gender issues. We hope the readers will be inspired to take on further the focus of creating more opportunities for both men and women.

As 2006 comes to the end I take this opportunity on behalf of the MS Country Office to wish all partners and stakeholders a wonderful festive season and a prosperous new year. I also use this opportunity to thank the Policy Advisory Board, County office staff, the development workers and all partners for welcoming me back to the MS family.