ACFODE was privileged to attend the Women in Politics Conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo. ACFODE is celebrating its Slver Jubilee this year and one of its core areas is Advocacy for Women's Effective Participation in Politics and Decision Making.

In her address, Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf congratulated Uganda for the progress on women's issues and cautions all of us as the general elections draw near. She mentioned the dire state at which Liberia was when she was elected and marked a positive contribution for the years ahead. In an interesting twist, we learnt that Her Excellency suffered a lot of rigging during the electoral process of Liberia at the time and even had to change parties. Her resilience paid off.

In another address, Hon. Martha Karua, EGH, Member of Parliament (Kenya) Party Chairperson/Party Leader NARC Kenya addressed the conference and mentioned several important issues for women. Women must learn to negotiate their space way in advance of elections, and women should stand for the mainstream seats. Instead of waiting for other women to move over, women must stand for the main winning seats.

She congratulated Uganda on their women representation in Parliament. Women have a strong voice, are strong as a united body and they have the power of numbers especially when united. Women should be judged by the same standards as their male counterparts. Even though women suffer all kinds of violence to get discouraged, women must be strong and focused. Hon. Karua says even though she has suffered a lot by detractors, she has remained focused and not forgotten the main reason for her political calling.

She concluded by stating that women have the ability to multitask and was appreciative of one delegate who attended the conference with her baby. Stereotypes must be rid of and Hon. Karua stated that she is ready to become the President of The Republic of Kenya.

BEVERLEY NAMBOZO NSENGIYUNVA
ACFODE, Public Relations Officer

14 June 2010