Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) Sophia Nalule Juuko, has issued a directive to the EOC legal department to investigate various issues confronting women across different sectors nationwide.
This directive was conveyed during a dialogue session held at the EOC headquarter in Kampala with representatives from the Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda.
Led by Ms. Brendah Atugonza, the women’s rights defenders urged the EOC to investigate violations, discrimination, and inequalities faced by women, particularly young women, in various sectors within their communities.
“Atugonza emphasized the need for justice and assistance from the Equal Opportunities Commission, highlighting its mandate to advocate for the rights of marginalized Ugandans in diverse categories,” noted Nalule during the meeting.
Expressing concern, Nalule directed the EOC’s legal department to promptly investigate instances of violence against women reported across the country. She emphasized the importance of addressing these cases comprehensively and providing informed reports to relevant government sectors for corrective action.
Nalule underscored the significance of documenting these findings in the forthcoming EOC annual report to highlight the state of women’s rights in Uganda.
In a call to action, Nalule urged public cooperation to combat discrimination, marginalization, and exclusion of women in Uganda. She reaffirmed the EOC’s commitment to promoting affirmative action, nondiscrimination, and the rights of all individuals.
In response, women human rights defenders urged the EOC to involve them in the civil society organization desk and proposed the establishment of a dedicated desk to receive complaints of inequality and discrimination. They emphasized the importance of joint efforts in eliminating discrimination, marginalization, and inequality through coordinated initiatives, including the commemoration of international days.
