Ms. Christine Lagarde was hosted by CEDOVIP as part of her three day visit to Uganda. Ms. Lagarde is the 11th Managing Director of the IMF and the first woman to hold this position.
During the CEDOVIP event Ms. Lagarde held a private meeting with survivors of Violence against women before meeting with CEDOVIP Board Chairperson Dr. Hilda Tadria, Executive Director, Tina Musuya and all staff of CEDOVIP.
In her speech, Ms. Lagarde paid tribute to the zeal that the women have shown in demanding for their rights and dignity.
“I have had the privilege of meeting four women supported by Center for Domestic Violence Prevention to discover themselves, to find their power and saying no to violence and taking ownership of my life, I pay tribute to you”, Ms. Lagarde.
She further acknowledged that empowerment for a woman is a key driver for economic development.
As the head of IMF which helps with social stability and economic empowerment we know that there is no development with violence or instability. The work you do is the basis of reaching out throughout the country. We know organizations that support women through shelters but what you do to help women creates that change around the woman. We need to strive to help those who suffer with hope and kindness” Ms. Lagarde.
She was referring to CEDOVIP’s community mobilization program SASA! (iClick here to listen to audio!) a phased approach in mobilizing community to challenge power imbalance that is the root cause of violence.
She promised to carry the conversation forward during her scheduled meeting with the minister for finance, the Speaker of Parliament and the President Yoweri Museveni.
Her full speech can be accessed here