The Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) and Reach a Hand Uganda (RAHU) have launched the second edition of the Imara Girls Festival, an all-girls event aimed at amplifying the voices of young girls in the country.
The festival which is a celebration of young women's voices, innovation, and creativity, is scheduled for Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Kati Kati Grounds, Kampala under the theme “Invest In Her, Unleash Her Potential,”
“Through this festival, we want to bring together key actors from various sectors to celebrate, recognize, and inspire. It showcases the achievements of women and girls, highlighting their role in breaking boundaries and challenging stereotypes, while also proposing actionable solutions to socio-economic issues at different societal levels,” said James Tumusiime, the Country Director Reach a Hand Uganda.
Solome Nakaweesi, the board chairperson for Forum for Women in Democracy( FOWODE) said the festival also seeks to raise awareness and funds to support the establishment of the IMARA Women’s Centre (IWC), an initiative by FOWODE to anchor the advancement of women’s rights in Uganda.
“ The IWC will serve as a hub for women’s and girl’s independent organizing and a practical base to advance the struggle for gender equality. It will offer a space for reflection, learning, networking, nurturing, healing, and self-care, while promoting women’s creativity and innovation,”Nakaweesi said.
“We firmly believe that investing in the potential of girls is an investment in the future of our communities. Through our feminist work, we are committed to investing in girls’ leadership and supporting efforts to keep them in school. Recognizing that girls are often at risk of gender-based violence, the centre will be dedicated to addressing these issues and promoting overall wellness.”
According to Nakaweesi, the centre will fostering girls' innovation and participation in STEM, reinforcing its commitment to providing incubation hubs and facilities to support these endeavors.
Organisers said the second edition of Imara Girls’ Festival will have conversational engagements where attendees will gain insights from seasoned leaders, mentors, and role models on the unique challenges young girls experience and offer practical solutions.
“These distinguished speakers will share their experiences and wisdom to inspire girls to dream big and pursue their goals,” organisers said.
The added that there will be peer learning sessions where participants will engage in workshops led by inspiring youth leaders (peer educators) on various relevant topics like gender-based violence, menstrual hygiene management and restrictive gender norms.
The sessions will have interactive discussions of strategies to address the challenges involved.
The event will also feature unique products from local small and mid-sized companies, as well as services from civil society organizations, private sector actors, and industries such as health, banking, and entrepreneurship as well as performances from Ugandan renowned artists.
