ANKOLE, UGANDA – Economic development strategies in the Ankole Sub-region are now prioritizing the formal economic inclusion of women and youth, with a specific focus on integrating these groups into agricultural value chains and income-generating activities.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The push for greater inclusivity was a central theme at a dissemination meeting held over the weekend to review the midterm findings of Ripple Effect Uganda’s youth-inclusive dairy market systems project.
The project, which has been operational for the past three years across nine districts in Ankole, aims to strengthen market systems while ensuring inclusivity for often-marginalized groups.
Pamela Ebanyatta, the Country Director of Ripple Effect Uganda, confirmed the project has successfully introduced gender-sensitive approaches and facilitated male engagement activities.
She noted, however, that a significant skills gap persists for women in the region, necessitating stronger agreements with partners to actively facilitate and ensure their participation.
Henry Mugumya, the Rubirizi District Veterinary Officer, emphasized the critical need to change deep-seated community attitudes that suppress women’s economic potential after marriage.
“Individuals who are employed, mostly women, are denied the chance to perform their skills after marriage. I call upon men to allow their wives to continue with their careers,” Mugumya stated.
Echoing this sentiment, Bernard Ndemere, the Isingiro District Commercial Officer, detailed a local initiative called Male Engagement, designed to shift men’s perspectives.
“We grew an initiative called Male Engagement to enlighten men to cherish women as very important people in developing their families,” Ndemere explained.
Lucky Ninsiima, a project beneficiary, emphasized that economic stability is a powerful tool for women, enabling them to challenge societal norms and assert their rights with greater confidence and autonomy.
“Women need to be empowered to stand strong. When a woman is stable when she can support herself, fund herself she can maneuver,” Ninsiima said.
A mid-term review found the project is successfully introducing inclusive initiatives but noted a continued need for community-wide efforts to break down barriers and unlock the full economic potential of women and youth in Ankole’s dairy market system.
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