Women activists have asked the government and other stakeholders to create a strategy that addresses women amid the Covid 19 pandemic. Activists under the Institute for Social Transformation (IST) say the pandemic has incurred losses to the vendors due to a lack of buyers. Maureen Wagubi, the Executive director of IST, said the government should intervene to address the different challenges the market women face by joining hands with them and other partners.
“We advocate for vendors in 12 markets which include, Kibuye, Kitooro-Entebbe, Kansanga, Nakawa, Kalerwe, Ntinda, Kasubi, Nankulabye, Nakasero, Bugolobi and Gayaza. This project aims at supporting women in markets and men who have been sleeping in markets, to equip them with covid19 emergency relief items to enable them to continue operating and managing their businesses amidst this pandemic,” noted Wagubi.
She made the appeal while donating emergency COVID-19 relief items worth shs100,000,000 to the vendors of Kitooro market in Entebbe Municipality. The relief items donated included mattresses, blankets, sanitary pads, water tanks, sanitizer, Liquid soap among others.
Wagubi added that the majority of market women vendors operate small capital businesses which are hand to mouth and have severely been affected. “These women face severe challenges that range from risks to their safety, protection and lowered opportunities to access markets,” she noted, adding that market conditions in most of the markets are very wanting with the absence of proper hygiene and sanitation facilities.
Peruth Asiyo, a charcoal vendor said the market is of no importance since they have no buyers. “We were operating from the roadside and were shifted into the market but since the relocation, we have not been receiving buyers due to lockdown,” remarked Asiyo.
Richard Ssekyondo the chairperson for Division B in Entebbe municipality called upon leaders to uplift women. “There’s still a need to uplift women because men have neglected their responsibilities and left the burden to women. Therefore as leaders, we have to join hands and give support to market women,” Ssekyondo implored, further lauding the IST for coming on board to support women in Entebbe kitooro market.
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