SIHA-NETWORK HAS LAUNCHED PHASE III OF THE “BREAKING BARRIERS” PROJECT TARGETING OVER 480 WOMEN

By Onzoma Albert

Arua City

The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn Africa (SIHA) Network has launched phase III of it’s in the West Nile region, specifically in Arua City and district.

The project is planned to last two and a half years and aims to strengthen feminist solidarity, expand women’s economic opportunities, and eliminate structural obstacles faced by women in the region.

During the project’s inception meeting and the graduation ceremony of women market vendors from nine markets under the previous phase II stronger together project, key stakeholders highlighted the focus of the project on empowering women in traditionally male sectors and improving access to gender-responsive justice.

Jackie Bless, the SIHA Network Uganda country coordinator, emphasized the objectives of the project.

“We are talking about vocational skilling most of the women and girls run to stereotyped jobs like baking, tailoring, saloon and hair dressing, but this we are saying can we do something different and we feel it’s important for us to focus on non-gender stereotyped courses like plumbing, electrical installation, engineering courses for the women and girls” she said.

Stella Barbra Ofutaru, the Arua district community development officer, encouraged women and girls to pursue male-dominated courses and step out of their comfort zones.

“We are encouraging women and girls to move away from the traditional courses we know like tailoring, baking, catering, saloon and hair dressing, because we want to see more girls becoming mechanics, engineers, plumbers by pursuing all those courses the world had traditionally labelled for men” she said.

Doreen Tiati, the secretary of Onzivu market women vendors’ association, expressed hope and urged women to collaborate to break community barriers.

“When our women and girls are incorporated into skills training, I have a big hope that in future they will be able to stand on their own, work for themselves, families and excel in whatever they do to earn a living” Tiati commented.

The project targets over 480 beneficiaries, including 50 men, with the majority being women from Arua city and district. These women will benefit from skills training aimed at overcoming gender barriers.

Funded by Brot für die Welt, the project focuses on young women and marginalized groups to increase their income, agency, and leadership capacity.

Additionally, the initiative promotes collective action and strengthens networks among women’s organizations.

Rooted in feminist principles, the project emphasizes evidence-based interventions, often conducting baseline studies to ensure high-impact results.

It seeks to empower women economically and socially by fostering solidarity, leadership, and removing barriers in male-dominated fields.