Climate change rocks Women’s Day activities in Kyangwali settlement

Nyakayehe traditional dance group entertain guests at Maratatu A Women and Girls Safe Space in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement Camp in Kikuube District.

Refugee protection stakeholders in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement in Kikuube District have appreciated the need to front women in the fight against climate change and its gender effects.

During the pre-International Women’s Day 2022, activities in Kyangwali Settlement organised by Care International Uganda, horrendous effects of climate change on women and girls was boldly highlighted through speeches, dance and drama.

Rape, defilement and domestic violence amongst married couples are among the risks they continue to face as they search for wood fuel in distant places without alternatives.

While addressing the guests at Maratatu A, Ms Noreen Nampewo, the Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Protection Advisor at Care International Uganda, motivated women to embrace all efforts to combat climate change including the use of clean energy technologies and afforestation.

She expressed optimism that a great positive change in the fight against degradation and GBV could be easy to achieve in Kyangwali with women on board.

Sound bite: Nampewo on climate change (English)
Stakeholders take a climate walk from Maratatu B to Maratatu A in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement Camp in Kikuube District.

The Kikuube District Police Commander (DPC), ASP Richard Asiimwe, who was the chief guest, cautioned the public and members of security forces against any form of environmental and human rights violation.

He explained that the role of police nowadays extends beyond state security to human security which involves food security and environmental protection.

Sound bite: Asiimwe on climate change effects on women (English)

Also present was Ms Santa Lamunu, the Assistant GBV Officer at the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) – Kyangwali, who noted the need to strengthen the relationship amongst all stakeholders to protect displaced women from the growing effects of climate change that bite them much harder compared to other groups.

Sound bite: Lamunu on climate change (English)
Woman carries firewood from Bugoma forest in Kyangwali Sub-county, Kikuube District.

Mr Ali Mukasa, the Deputy Camp Commandant, acknowledged that land and water sources were being polluted and consequently increasing the risk of food insecurity if no deliberate and coordinated action is taken to promote environmental conservation.

He commended Care International Uganda for all efforts made so far in the field of climate change.

Sound bite: Mukasa on climate change (English)

Groups of women including Nyakatehe Women’s Group demonstrated their determination to embrace clean energy technologies and desist from deforestation which has already created agricultural seasons’ unpredictability.

They used drama and music that sensitise the community on the dangers of environmental degradation and climate change.

The activity started with a match from Maratatu B to Maratatu A Women and Girls Safe Space with the Kikuube DPC, ASP Asiimwe as Chief Walker.

Thepre-International Women’s Day 2022 was conducted under the theme: “Gender Equality Today for A Sustainable Tomorrow:  Recognising the Contribution of Women in Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation and Response in Uganda”.

Care International Uganda has been engaged in clean energy promotion activities including the use of briquettes and energy saving stoves amongst the refugees and host communities.

The world commemorates International Women’s Day every year on March 8.

This year’s day falls on Tuesday this week.

In Kyangwali Settlement, many activities are conducted ahead of the event with an objective of securing enough space for women and girls to understand more on their responsibilities, rights and freedoms.

Climate change central in celebrating International Women’s Day in Kyangwali.

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