BUNYORO WOMEN WANT A BANK

By Francis Mugerwa

Hoima.
Women in Bunyoro sub-region have petitioned the government to start for them a bank that will cater for their financial needs.

Bunyoro Kingdom gender minister Catherine Byenkya said several women are lagging behind in development and require financial empowerment to enable them move out of poverty.

“We need a bank for women that will cater for our unique financial challenges. We, therefore, petition government to support this call that will go a long way in complimenting national and international women emancipation efforts,” Ms Byenkya said.

She was on Wednesday addressing women leaders from the region during a dialogue organised by Global Rights Alert, an NGO involved in gender advocacy and capacity building of communities affected by extractive industries.

Ms Byenkya’s proposal was endorsed by more than 100 women leaders, who unanimously agreed to petition Parliament over the matter.

The women said they lack collateral security to mortgage in banks which limits them from accessing credit for investment.

They want a bank that will design mechanisms for them to access financial services even when they lack collateral security.

Plea for women
The Global Rights Alert executive director, Ms Winnie Ngabiirwe, said most women in mineral-rich areas are struggling to access resources in a male-dominated society.

Ms Ngabiiirwe said the extractives industry impacts on men and women differently. She argued that oil, gas, and mining projects create jobs, but also consume farming land, and limit access to water, food, and firewood.

She added that there is a need for the government to deliberate with other development stakeholders in the region to build capacity and skills of the women with special attention being geared towards mentorship, lobbying and advocacy.
CREDIT SOURCE: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Bunyoro-women-want-a-bank/-/688334/2529516/-/5f1w9e/-/index.html