IOM to bolster role of Diaspora Women


 

The 2-day Diaspora Women in the Private Sector Leading Humanitarian and Development Action in Times of Crises and Beyond Conference, organized by International Organization for Migration (IOM) took place in Entebbe, Uganda, with delegates from 16 nations, speaking to bolster the role of Diaspora Women and establish a continuous support structure and process.

IOM Country Chief, Ambassador Sanusi Tejan, pledged to promote strategic partnerships between diaspora private sector, women leaders, local communities, NGOs, public & private sectors and governments in countries of origin and host countries.
State Minister for Gender and Culture, Peace Mutuuzo said  Diaspora Women are catalysts of transformative change, hence government will support efforts to leverage their role, by creating an enabling environment, which allows them to thrive.
The State Minister for Regional Cooperation John Mulimba, suggested the formation of databases, which gather details by country and region, to help in capturing humanitarian and development efforts of Diaspora Women.
The Head of Diaspora Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Johnny Muhindo, who led Uganda's unified delegation, called for sharing of good practices, knowledge sharing, obstacles and experiences among Diaspora Women leaders and stakeholders.
Ambassador Hajji Abbey Walusimbi, on behalf of the Office of the President extended thanks to all attendees, urging East Africa to unite and embrace the immense potential of their Diaspora communities. 
"We need to change how we think of the Diaspora community. Currently, we look at them as remittance senders, but we need to recognize and afford them the same respect and privileges as investors because they are unconditionally investing their money into building nations.”
Commissioner of Labour in Gender Ministry Lawrence Egulu, stressed the need to empower Diaspora Women, as significant contributors back home. 
In attendance was Ambassador Jacqueline Natepi Ben from South Sudan, Claudette Ndikumana Head Diaspora Department Foreign Affairs Burundi, Dr. Amina Hersi, Rose Kobusinge, Eddie Sembatya, Ronnie Mayanja, Hajji Mua-awiya Mukasa from Uganda, Dr. Lilian Muasa, Dr. Madrine Kingendo Kenya, Nimo Hussein, Fatumo Farah, Layla Ali from Somalia, Dagmawit Aynalem of Ethiopia and 
Said Sheik Abdi Senior Regional Advisor IOM Nairobi.
The deliberations of the Regional Ministerial Forum on Migration are anticipated to establish a continuous support structure and process, which will enhance the impact of the contributions and empowerment of Diaspora women in East and Horn of Africa.

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