08/03/2022, Entebbe; “When you go to the market and you find that woman selling her agricultural products, pay her. Do not bargain because you do not bargain when you shop in the supermarket.” Maxima Nsimenta, Founder and CEO of Livara Beauty

“They cannot see a tree standing, when they cannot find food.” Immaculate Okello, lawyer, social entrepreneur, and climate change activist.

These are just two of the powerful messages that the two climate change activists brought to the Regional Service Centre Entebbe celebration of the International Women’s Day. The hybrid event was celebrated under the theme “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow”.

The Client Service Delivery Manager, Ms Benta Achieng Aseto hosted Ms Nsimenta and Ms Akello in a panel discussion where the two women shared their thoughts on gender equality and how it is key for a sustainable tomorrow as well as sharing their personal experience in a changing world.

The discussion centered around ensuring the livelihoods of the women to facilitate them to engage in climate change activities like protecting the Shea tree from which both ladies derive their beauty products and through which they influence other women to participate to better themselves financially.

The reigning Miss Earth 2021, Destiny Wagner, also made a celebrity appearance through a customized video directed at the staff of the RSCE that she produced in between her busy global travel schedule. In her video message she pointed out the importance of involving women in the fight for climate change, adoption and mitigation.

“When you bring in women, you bring in different perspectives, different backgrounds and different cultures and ultimately get better solutions” she said.

Ms Wagner is from Belize and as an earth warrior, she advocates for the sustainability of marine life and conservation of natural resources.

Another powerful video message was sent in by the Honorable Dr. Betty Udongo, former member of Parliament and a leading researcher, girls’ education practitioner, activist and advocate who gave her life story of never giving up despite all adversity. She narrated how she came from almost dropping out of school to the first PhD holder in her hometown.

Not to be outdone, staff members from RSCE also shared their inspiring perspectives on the theme during the virtual event.

In her closing remarks, the Deputy Director a.i. Nalini Contreras thanked the panelists for their encouraging and impactful words and pointed out that “it is important to recognize the critical role that women play as powerful change agents to address climate change and the impact that climate change has on women across the globe.”

The event had been kicked off earlier in the day with a marketplace showcasing the products of female entrepreneurs like Maxima Nsimenta, Immaculate Akello, Kampala Fair, Good Glass and Doreen Kaggwa Lunkuse from Back to Nature Designs. Each vendor was selected for her business acumen coupled with their commitment to production through sustainable means.