By Polite Musa
Fortportal City, Uganda: In KiKura village in Kitarasa ward, North Division Fort Portal City, a quiet revolution is taking place among a group of women who have decided to rewrite their destinies.
Tired of the age-old norms that confined them to dependency on their husbands, for a living, these resilient women have forged a new path towards empowerment and financial freedom.
The theme for this year’s Women’s Day, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” harmoniously aligns with the inspiring narrative unfolding in Fort Portal City located in Western Uganda, where several groups of women have initiated village savings associations to break free from traditional dependencies on their husbands.
Reflecting on this year’s theme means that investing in women at the grassroots level can indeed accelerate progress, creating a ripple effect that transcends individual lives and transforms entire communities.
It all began with a simple idea – the establishment of a village savings association that has increased its membership and not only unites these women but also serves as a catalyst for positive change in their lives.
On the 4th Monday, gathering in the compound of Ms Bettie Nevilia, the group chairperson of Kikura United Women’s Association said they decided to pool their resources and dreams into a communal effort.
The concept was as resourceful as it was transformative. Each woman contributed a modest sum to a collective fund, creating a pool of resources that would soon become the lifeline for their aspirations.
With a shared purpose, they embarked on a journey of financial independence, breaking free from the traditional roles that had bound them for generations.
“Most women in Kikura village are now breaking barriers that were once thought unassailable, paving the way for a brighter future for themselves and their families. Ms Legina Irumba, the insightful LC1 Chairperson of Kikura village observed.
These associations, initiated by eight determined women back in 2021, have now flourished into a formidable force of 68 women, in three years.
Under the leadership of Ms Bettie Nevilia, the Chairperson of Kikura United Women’s Association, the women have not only defied societal expectations but have also significantly improved their financial standing. The collective savings, which initially stood at a modest two million, have burgeoned to an impressive Shs 28 million.
Ms. Nevilia said as a result of women saving groups, these associations have had an impact on the community.
“Women, who were once denied the right to own property, now find themselves not only paying for their children’s education but also acquiring personal assets.”
The associations have helped families that were once struggling, and have found stability through the infusion of family values and the strong message against gender-based violence propagated by the village savings associations.
Beyond financial gains, she said the associations serve as hubs of empowerment, and women are equipped with skills and knowledge that extend beyond traditional roles. They are trained in family matters, supported in initiating income-generating projects such as crafting and soap making, and even receive guidance from experts on modern farming practices.
Ms Jassy Kansiime, a member of the Village Savings Association, said she secured a loan of Shs 10 million through the association, and it became her turning point saying that she used the loan to buy a plot of land in her name.
According to her, she said the impact of the association goes beyond financial gains. Currently, her newfound confidence and responsibility have propelled her into a leadership role, representing the association in various meetings and engaging in advocacy efforts which she said has not only broadened her social circles but also empowered her with a platform to foster positive change in her community.
In the realm of family values and combating gender-based violence, Ms Legina Irumba, the village Chairperson of Kikura village in Kitarasa ward, Fort Portal North, said women’s village savings associations have cultivated financial discipline, leading to the formation of subcommittees dedicated to addressing gender-based issues within member families.
Through these focused efforts, families are guided and supported in fostering healthy family values, while concurrently combating gender-based violence.
Ms. Anent Kabasinguzi said her journey with the Kikura United Women’s Association began in her teenage years when she harnessed the power of the village savings association to embark on a path to financial stability.
Securing her initial loan of Shs 200,000, Kabasinguzi said she invested in materials for weaving modern shopping baskets and carrions.
Today, her craftwork not only reflects her creativity but also symbolizes her financial independence, with a growing demand for her products.
Beyond the financial gains, the Kikura United Women’s Association has played a pivotal role in Kabasinguzi’s success by providing a ready market for her creations.
Displaying her craftwork during weekly meetings, Kabasinguzi not only sells to association members but also benefits from word-of-mouth recommendations that expand her customer base and she says she now sustains herself and contributes to her family’s well-being.
However, she expresses concern about her peers’ reluctance to join youth savings associations. She attributes this to the allure of quick money, emphasizing the need for a shift in mindset among the youth to recognize the long-term benefits of such associations.
In the eyes of Mr. Bosco Bategana, the area councilor of the Kitarasa ward and the Fort Portal North Division Speaker, since his wife joined the association, she has become financially independent, eliminating the need to approach him for small financial needs.
He encourages fellow men to support their wives in participating in such initiatives, recognizing the transformative potential they bring to families.
Ms Betty Mujungu, Voice Of Toro’s Gender Desk Team leader during her engagement with the association members on Monday 4th, emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability among women’s associations to foster continuity.
She called on women to ensure clear documentation of women’s contributions in agreements related to property ownership.
