Turkish Envoy Celebrates Women’s Day by Promoting Hygiene and Empowerment in Uganda

On International Women’s Day, Turkish ambassador Fatih Ak highlighted women’s essential hygiene needs in Uganda, where TIKA donated equipment for making reusable sanitary pads. This initiative aims to empower women economically and improve their quality of life. Women empowerment is vital for societal justice, as emphasized by local leaders.

Fatih Ak, Türkiye’s ambassador to Uganda, commemorated International Women’s Day by emphasizing the importance of hygiene for women and girls. At the event, Türkiye’s state aid agency TIKA provided equipment to facilitate young women’s access to essential hygiene products through the production of reusable sanitary pads. The donations were made to Msichana Uganda, a non-profit organization committed to empowering women and girls in the region.

The donated equipment, which includes sewing and overlock machines, aims to support young women in achieving economic independence. Ambassador Ak expressed pride in Türkiye’s development cooperation initiatives, stating, “Development cooperation is a vital pillar of the strong and multifaceted relationship between our two countries, and we take great pride in our shared commitment to progress.”

He mentioned the extensive impact of TIKA in Uganda, citing that since the early 2000s, the agency has completed 94 projects within the country. This latest initiative is specifically designed to enhance the quality of life for women and facilitate greater access to hygiene products.

Murat Cetin, the TIKA country coordinator, highlighted the initiative’s potential for creating job opportunities and raising hygiene awareness among young women. He detailed the donation of five sewing machines, two overlock machines, and advanced fabrics for producing reusable hygiene products, emphasizing their alignment with hygiene standards.

Winnie Nakandi, the director of Msichana Uganda, expressed gratitude for the Turkish support and underscored the critical need for empowering women. She stated, “We remain steadfast in our struggle to support underprivileged girls and women to access reusable pads and as well render their contributions visible across all sectors.”

Reusable sanitary pads serve as a cost-effective alternative to disposable pads, particularly benefiting low-income individuals who might struggle to afford traditional options.

The Turkish envoy’s emphasis on women’s hygiene rights during International Women’s Day illustrates the importance of supporting initiatives that empower women in Uganda. Through TIKA’s donations and projects, significant contributions are being made towards improving women’s health and economic prospects. The collaboration between Türkiye and Ugandan organizations like Msichana Uganda symbolizes a concerted effort towards advancing gender equality and socio-economic development.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr