By Adiga Julius
Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA), has called upon all employers in the country to provide decent working conditions for workers, free from sexual exploitations, better pay and remit contributions to social security schemes, so that employees are able to live decent lives.
In a statement on the commemoration of International Labour Day 1st May, read by UWOPA chairperson Hon. Pamela Nasiyo Kamugo, the legislators called on Parliament to expedite the process of passing the Employment Amendment Bill 2019 which will ensure that the rights of laborers are promoted and protected.
OWOPA also wants employers to give equal job opportunities to women saying more jobs still go to the men yet Women are educated and capable.
According to demographics from Uganda National Household Survey 2016/17 the situation of women, the employment sector is male-dominated and the study shows that although women constitute the majority of the working-age population of 10 million, only 40%, are employed.
Kamugo said UWOPA will not relent on advocating for employment with a Gender lense saying that the burden of caregiving is heaped on women which affect their level of work.
She thanked President Museveni for openly calling upon employers to desist from laying-off employees during the COVID19 pandemic.
UWOPA also appreciated the President for advocating for the attractive payment for Doctors and Scientists who are at the forefront of fighting the deadly Coronavirus
“We believe this will greatly motivate the scientists and help the Government to reduce the labor turnover as scientists would prefer to stay and work in Uganda” Kamugo noted.
UWOPA says the government should Increase funding programs like UWEP Which directly benefit the rural women who are majorly engaged in Informal businesses through the promotion of accessible financial services and Affordable essential needs for women.
