Uganda Muslim Women Civilization
Speaking at the function, the US Embassy Charge d’affaires, Patricia Mahoney, who was the chief-guest, expressed concern over the persistent subjugation and harassment of women, which was evident world-wide.
“UN statics indicate that one third of women have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lives. This is unacceptable. It is totally inhuman. We have to change this status quo now. Be the change and start right now,” said Mahoney.
Mahoney thanked the Executive Director of the organization, Shamirah Namutebi, for coming up with a sustainable initiative to promote women’s economic empowerment.
“It is ideal that women who are economically empowered so promote the economic empowerment of other women. If women are economically empowered, they will become self-sustaining and will thus be able to make independent decisions in their families and in society. They will advocate for their children’s rights, stop early marriages and lower HIV infections in their communities.”
Mahoney further asked Muslim women to work in solidarity with men and other faith-based organizations to promote development and religious co-existence.
The Chairman of Zakkah and Waqaf Committee, Sheikh Anas Kaliisa asked Muslim scholars to properly interpret the teachings of Islam about women. He said that off all the religions of the world, it was Islam which had fully liberated women from gender-slavery.
“There is no religion that encourages education like Islam. If you educate a girl, you will come walking hand in hand with her on the Day of Judgment. Islam also teaches that if a wife owns a business, it is hers entirely. But the business of the husband belongs to the family. So, where do people get these theologies that subjugate women?!
So, empower women and improve communities. Women, go out and do business. But be mindful to respect your husband.”
The organization’s Executive Director, Shamirah Namutebi said that they got the idea to start the organization after being inspired by the councils of Imam Mohammad Bashar Arafat, the President of Islamic Affaire Council of Maryland, USA, who strongly advocates for women’s empowerment.
What the Muslim women say
Hawa Kimbugwe
The contemporary economic challenges direly call for the empowerment of women of all religious creeds, which is why we need faith-based women’s organisations.
Mayi Buwembo
We need to come together as women, to do activities together and inspire each other. In this way we shall be empowered and subsequently alleviate poverty.
Fatuma Kasoga
If we wait for government to help us, we shall die poor. Let us just work with organisations like Uganda Muslim Women Civilization Initiative to transform our lives.
Sharifah Naigaga
I have benefitted a lot from the presentations of progressive women. I have resolved to start a business at home.
Shrifah Kyeyune
I am the PRO of Uganda Muslim Women Civilization Initiative. It is our duty, the enlightened women, to empower the disadvantaged women.
Shamirah Namutebi
I am the Executive Director of Uganda Women Civilization Initiative. We desire to give disadvantaged women life skills, guidance and formal literacy to help them become financially self-sustenance. We shall work with other faith-based organisations to help our people attain self-sustenance.
By Mathias Mazinga, The New Vision
