Gender Equality Advocacy and Empowerment Project

All over Uganda, communities of people interpret biological differences between women and men to create a set of social expectations that define the behaviors that are appropriate for women and men and that determine women's and men's differential access to rights, resources, and power in society. Although the specific nature and degree of these differences vary from one society to the next, they typically favour men, creating an imbalance in power and gender inequalities in Uganda.
There are some instances in which boys and men because of the influence of existing gender norms, have less access than women to certain resources. For example, in Uganda the current gender gap in secondary school enrolment rates is because there are fewer boys than girls at that level of education. Despite such examples of reverse gender gaps, overall the evidence shows that women and girls still continue to suffer a greater disadvantage in access to resources and power than men and boys.

COVUCA believes that the most effective way to increase political participation by Women in southwestern Uganda is through an innovative approach that focuses on improved Political and Gender advocacy, promoting respect of their rights especially during this transition period as well as having a peaceful society where people live in harmony.
By providing training in Gender advocacy and general civic education to women, COVUCA hopes to empower them to present compelling alternative voices within the political arena and thus allow them to demand for their rights and politically participate within their own country.

Such an approach calls for a project of activities that build the capacity of women, enhance political participation as well as advancing their rights. COVUCA firmly believes credible women leaders capable of advancing democratic initiatives in Uganda exist in various segments of society, not solely those already currently engaged in political party activities. Recognizing this and understanding that women’s participation in politics is crucial, COVUCA will help women acquire the required skills to more effectively participate in building democracy in the country. This initiative will advance Women’s political participation by Gender empowerment of an array of political persuasions to become more involved in the political discourse of Uganda. Read more