MPs push for check in gender inequalities

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They want the gender budget increased and gender legislations improved.
MPs and civil society organisations have recommended that the government brings to Parliament a statutory instrument introducing an independent gender monitoring unit to check gender inequalities.

During a two-day study tour of Rwanda yesterday, the Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA) and the Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE), also called on the government to increase the budget for the key gender-sensitive ministries of agriculture, education and health to ensure that the planning process is engendered.

Independent unit
“In Uganda we have good policies that have remained on paper for long. Government must put in place an independent gender monitoring unit like is the case in Rwanda, to fight gender inequalities,” Agago Woman MP Judith Franca said. The State Minister for Finance (General Duties), Mr Fred Omach, supported Ms Franca and promised to put the matter before Cabinet.

The minister promised to push for the establishment of a gender monitoring unit to promote gender equality, social justice and promoting accountability and sustainable development.

The team had visited Rwanda to draw lessons on Rwanda’s gender responsive budgeting and equity process and how it has managed to implement a number of reforms aimed at promoting gender equality, transparency and accountability.

Rwanda has an independent gender monitoring unit established by law and supervised by the Prime Minister which ensures the monitoring of gender mainstreaming and fight against gender-based violence in the private and civil society institutions.

Way forward
Ms Ruth Masika, a member of FOWODE Board, said the government must strengthen the enforcement of gender policies and laws, while UWOPA Deputy Chairperson Rose Nyakikongoro called for gender mainstreaming to enhance productivity output.

The officials acknowledged the role Fowode played during the formulation of gender-sensitive policies in Rwanda and called on the Ugandan government to implement their gender policies as well.

Rwandan legislators advised their counterparts to put national interests before those of their political parties if they are to stamp out the rampant corruption.


By Mercy Nalugo, Daily monitor
mnalugo@ug.nationmedia.com
http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/-/688334/1285984/-/bg6gkwz/-/index.html

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