WOMEN MAKE THEIR DEMANDS FOR 2016 AT THE LAUNCH OF THE WOMEN’S MANIFESTO

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2016 is around the corner; tensions can already be felt within the political parties.  Everybody is talking about the elections. So are the women of Uganda.
On Thursday 9th July 2015, the women of Uganda under the umbrella Women Democracy Group (WDG) of whom Forum for Women in Democracy is a member launched the women’s manifesto a political document that is placing demands to those that wish to stand for political offices.
As a political document, the Women’s Manifesto set out the concerns of women in Uganda and the demands for accountability by political parties and candidates. The Women’s Manifesto builds on similar processes undertaken by women and women’s rights organizations in previous elections since 2000, when the first women’s manifesto was developed. The Women’s Manifesto builds on efforts, synergies and issues of previous efforts and gaps that need prioritization to advance women’s rights and gender equality.
While women, have made some progress in some areas, women still have quite a long way to go before they attain full and equal dignity and equality with men in all spheres of their lives. The Women’s Manifesto, beyond stating women’s demands, is also a tool for holding leaders accountable for advancing gender equality because it is only when women and men in Uganda are truly equal, that our country will experience sustainable development. 
Therefore the Women’s Manifesto aims at contributing to the legacy of good governance through providing a guide for voters, candidates and political actors towards prioritizing women’s concerns, interests and aspirations; Persuading government, political parties and organizations as well as all stakeholders to prioritize people–centered democracy and the interests of women in the development process; Raising awareness about gender issues among the various political players; 
Mobilizing the electorate to actively participate in all processes that promote national democracy and 
Providing a platform for negotiation between women and the various political candidates, parties and organisations.
FOWODE in particular, called for focus on theme five that addresses women, politics and decision-making.
Representatives from various political parties pledged to consider what was written in the women’s manifesto.

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