His Majesty Philip Olarker Rauni III (second left seated)with other dignitaries
By our reporter
1st/12/2020
His Majesty Philip Olarker Rauni III the King Alur and other traditional leaders in Africa have launched The Council of Traditional leaders in Africa (COTLA)- Uganda Chapter aimed at banning negative cultural practices that infringe on the rights of women and girls.
Queen mother Best Kemigisha and other traditional leaders from Malawi, South Africa and West Africa are the founders of this initiative focused on curbing negative social practices that contribute to GBV, early marriages and teenage pregnancies, AIDS, and other vices that affect especially the girl child.
This event was preceded by the launch of 16 days of activism against Gender based violence that was hosted by the cultural institution of Bugweri in Eastern Uganda.
Ministry of Gender labour and social development estimates the cost of Gender Based Violence in Uganda at 77 billion annually as loss of income that would have been derived by the girls and women who drop out of school, are hospitalized, become incapacitated and cannot fully contribute to development. It is estimated that 1 in 3 women experience gender based violence in Africa, that is characterized by impunity, silence and stigma.
Government believes that Traditional leaders play a great role in mobilization of the community for social economic development through dissemination of government social policies and changing the mind set of the communities.
This organization will amongst other things share experiences in activities done to eliminate gender based violence, promote sexual and reproductive rights and access justice for women and girls.
The occasion was attended by the United Nations resident coordinator in Uganda, Ms Rose Malango, United Nations Women’s representative, Minister of state for youth Mrs. Nakiwala Kiyinji who was the chief guest, and the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Gender amongst other dignitaries.