RTW, Days For Girls and TAGI are changing lives in Uganda
Club President, Daphine Marunga, recently provided an update on the work of her Uganda-centred charity known as The Amara Girls Initiative (TAGI). An ongoing project in conjunction with Days For Girls and the support of the Rotary Club of Toronto West (RTW) has focused on providing menstrual kits and improved hygiene facilities that enable girls to stay in school.
In many countries, schools do not have adequate safe hygiene facilities and feminine hygiene products are not readily available or affordable. Girls feel obligated to stay at home during their periods. They fall behind in their school work and some will drop out of school. When girls struggle to attain a basic education, their difficulties have broad impacts.
The advancement of women in developing countries, and even "developed" ones, can significantly impact various aspects of society, contributing to overall development and progress. Here are some key reasons:- Economic Growth: Empowering women leads to greater participation in the workforce, which can boost economic productivity. Women tend to reinvest a significant portion of their earnings back into their families and communities, fostering local economies.
- Improved Health and Education: Educated women are more likely to prioritize their children's education and health. This creates a positive cycle where future generations benefit from improved health and educational outcomes, leading to a more skilled workforce.
- Reduction in Poverty: Gender equality can help reduce poverty rates. When women have equal access to resources, jobs, and education, families are more resilient to economic shocks, leading to a decrease in poverty levels.
- Better Decision-Making: Women's participation in leadership and decision-making roles leads to more inclusive policies that address the needs of all community members, resulting in better governance and social outcomes.
- Social Change: Advancing women's rights challenges traditional norms and fosters a culture of equality, benefiting everyone in society by promoting justice and reducing gender-based violence.
- Sustainable Development: Women's involvement in environmental conservation and sustainability initiatives is crucial, as they often play key roles in managing natural resources and implementing sustainable practices.
For these reasons, Rotary International has included access to clean water and hygienic facilities along with helping women and children in its key areas of focus. Projects such as the one Daphine described can have widespread and lasting impacts on the wellbeing of an entire area. Their accomplishments are significant, as you will see in the presentation below.
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