The Government of Uganda has committed to collaborating with development partners to support education, particularly for girls in refugee camps and host communities.
While launching a global report on the state of girls in conflict areas, Minister of Gender, Labor, and Social Development, Betty Amongi, acknowledged the importance of providing life skills to girls and women in these regions.
However, she pointed out that many lack the capital to start businesses despite acquiring skills.
She said that her ministry has developed a program to offer grants to help these girls obtain the necessary equipment to begin their enterprises.
Amongi emphasized the ministry's plan to extend support to all refugee areas and commended Plan International Uganda for its work in reaching out to girls in conflict areas.
The global report by Plan International, based on research involving over 10,000 young people aged 15-24 from 10 countries, revealing that 53% of girls living in conflict areas have experienced disruptions in their education.
The report highlights several challenges these girls face, including physical harm while moving to refugee camps, sexual violence, marginalization, and limited access to essential services.
Mary Aya, the Gender and Education Specialist at Plan International Uganda, stressed the importance of conducting thorough analyses when supporting girls in refugee settlements, noting that their experiences vary widely.
Factors such as being child mothers or survivors of sexual abuse require tailored approaches.
Phoebe Kasoga, the Country Director for Plan International Uganda, praised Uganda's refugee open-door policy, which has allowed many girls and young women from conflict areas to find safety and access essential services like education and healthcare.
The report also highlights the food insecurity and emotional stress faced by girls, with 44% reporting limited access to water compared to 39% of boys.
Girls and young women also experience higher levels of emotional stress than their male counterparts.
