Strategic objective: To promote local women’s participation in leadership and influence institutions to respect women’s rights and promote gender equality
The general perception and belief in the Karimojong society is that women are of a low status and cannot make decisions that bring development to the society. As a result, they are often excluded from decision making circles. It is believed that the best thing women can do is to stay at home to fend for the family. A woman would not therefore be respected or listened to in any public fora.
The patriarchal and male-dominated society of Karamoja has marginalized women and placed them in a hopeless and powerless position that the women themselves believe they are second class citizens to men without having the right to political participation and representation. They for example don’t attend public gatherings, even if they did; they are not allowed to speak. Similarly, they would not vote for candidates of their choices since they are oftened directed on whom to vote for by the men. Women don’t compete or stand for directly elected positions of leadership as these are believed to be reserved for men. The women don’t demand for accountability from duty bearers for the services provided to them since they are not aware and articulate enough to do so. True participation of the poor rural women is therefore far from being realized. Generally, women in Karamoja are ignorant and lack awareness and information on their rights in society.
KAWUO believes that the poor local women must be informed and empowered. Equal access of men and women to power, decision-making and leadership at all levels is a necessary precondition for the proper functioning of this society. Women must be involved at every stage of efforts to reassert the rule of law and rebuild society through transitional justice. Their voices must be heard and their rights must be protected