IGEN-EA Demands Removal of Obstacles Hindering Women's Involvement in Green Economy on Women’s Day

To mark International Women’s Day, the Inclusive Green Economy Network-East Africa (IGEN-EA) is calling for the Ugandan government to address barriers that are undermining women's participation in the green economy.

IGEN-EA is urging the Ugandan parliament and ministries to ensure that the 2023/2024 national budget drives women's employment in the green economic sectors. The network collected views on the priorities for Uganda's 2023/2024 national budget from communities, including women's views, during engagements held in February 2023. IGEN-EA has strategically made these calls because ministries are expected to submit ministerial policy statements for review by parliament, which are ordinarily submitted in April and accompany and justify the draft budget at the ministerial level.

Members of IGEN-EA are calling for more budget allocations to industries that support women such as renewable energy, organic agriculture, and tourism. Members argue that clean energy, forestry, livestock, and fishing, which employ more women and youth than men, should receive more budget allocations to promote sustainable mechanisation, provide access to farm implements and agroecological farm inputs.

The network also highlights that women in the tourism industry face stereotyping and socio-cultural barriers, and tourist attractions employing women are being destroyed, especially in the Albertine Graben. Read the full press statement here.