By Our reporter
The African Youth Ambassador and Secretary General of Batenga Foundation, Mr. Issah Luyimbaazi Katungulu has called for equal inclusion of Women and girls in all climate change affairs because they experience the greatest impacts of the climate crisis as it amplifies existing gender inequalities and puts women’s lives and livelihoods at risk.
During the commemoration of the International Women’s day that was celebrated by Konooweka Youth Program with support from Al-Mustafa Islamic College and Batenga Foundation and attended by Students from Al-Mustafa Islamic College and Aga Khan University with presentations on different dimensions of women in the society citing the holy Quran, Holy Bible and contemporary challenges, Mr. Katungulu confirmed that across the world, women depend more on, yet have less access to, natural resources and often bear a disproportionate responsibility for securing food, water, and fuel.
‘’As women and girls bear the burden of climate impacts, they are also essential to leading and driving change in climate adaption, mitigation and solutions. Without the inclusion of half of the world’s population, it is unlikely that solutions for a sustainable planet and a gender equal world tomorrow will be realized’’, he said.
He encouraged the youths to always be patriotic and selfless because their communities have high expectations as the future leaders and great citizens of the republic of Uganda. He asked them to prepare themselves for different roles and responsibilities since time doesn’t wait.
Mr. Luyimbaazi challenged the youths to understand their time and the contemporary challenges of their generation so that they are not cheated by people who are always waiting to mislead them for their selfish agendas.
The celebrations were graced by Hon. Nyamutoro Phiona, the National Female Youth Member of Parliament. She advised the youths to embrace leadership because leadership is the only thing youth actors can play to involve the voices of the next generation and also create a difference in the society other than following rhetoric’s like once you get in leadership, you become a politician.
She also encouraged the young generation to always chase their respective dreams because the world does not respect people who shy away.
Lessons learned from the presentations from holy Quran, Holy Bible and contemporary challenges proved that: Building resilience of women to shocks has a multiplier effect, Women have the capacity to not only take care of the health of the family and society but also to play an important role in reactivating the local economy, Women are environmentally conscious and can promote green activities for the protection of nature and health, Women’s traditional multiple roles within the family as breadwinners and educators need special attention and women are the heart of society as they keep communities alive!
