Women in Maracha District have been challenged to leverage on government livelihood programs to realize economic empowerment and equity. This appeal was made by leaders during the belated international Women’s Day commemorations for the District on Tuesday, March 19 at Koyi Primary School, Nyadri-South Sub-county.

The celebrations were held under the theme “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality,” a call for bold and strategic interventions towards a gender-equal future. Hon. Iren Ndera, Secretary Production and Natural Resources, said when women get financial support through government programs they should be open and transparent with their husbands to get their support. Hon. Ndera said women commit their resources to family growth unlike the men.

Hajji Ramathan Walugembe, Maracha Resident District Commissioner (RDC), said technical staff should take the lead in the popularization of the modalities on accessing government programs.  Hajji Walugembe warned against child marriage and other vices that endanger the future of girl child.  He said men should be the main source of happiness for their wives. 

Ms. Esther Angumaru, Chairperson Maracha District Women’s Council, applauded government for the 30% threshold for women inclusion in livelihood programs.  Ms. Angumaru said that some people fail to understand that accessing Parish Development Model (PDM) funds is a process which causes some to be impatient.

Hon. Yunis Alezuyo, Vice Chairperson Nyadri-South Sub-county, commended government for the livelihood programs that are uplifting the grassroot women. Hon. Alezuyo said PDM was changing lives in Maracha District. She called for parents to prioritize the education of the girl child because an educated girl plays an instrumental role in nation building.

Hon. Stephen Obitre, Maracha District Chairperson, said prioritization of development is due to resource limitation. He said the prioritization is undertaken by the sectorial committees with the final approval of projects done by Council.  Hon.  Obitre said fighting among leaders derails development in the District.

Hon. Jennifer Driwaru, Maracha District Woman Member of Parliament, called for tree planting to mitigate the visible effects of climate change. Hon. Driwaru cautioned against political polarization and falsehood ahead of the 2025/26 general elections.

Similarly, Hon. Ruth Lematia, Maracha East Member of Parliament, warned against the remerging trajectory of politics of lies.

The national celebrations were held on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Bukwiri village, Kyankwanzi District.  President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni reiterated that empowering women has been a deliberate focus of his administration since the National Resistance Movement (NRM) came into power.

 The first International Women's Day was celebrated on March 19, 1911, with over a million people participating in Austria-Hungary, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, demanding rights like voting, fighting against workplace discrimination, and holding public office.