Dr. Emma Kantema Launches Five-Year Plan to Advance Gender Equality and Child Welfare

Dr. Emma Kantema Launches Five-Year Plan to Advance Gender Equality and Child Welfare. The Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Hon. Dr. Emma Kantema, has officially launched the Ministry’s five-year strategic plan, a roadmap designed to guide, monitor, and evaluate the Ministry’s efforts in promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, child protection, and social welfare.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Kantema highlighted the Ministry’s progress in advancing social development, including a 69% increase in child grant coverage across the country. She also noted the improvement of early learning facilities, with more than 78 early childhood development (ECD) centres renovated or newly constructed. In addition, 66 residential child care facilities have received subsidies, while 81% of ECD educators now benefit from government support to enhance the quality of early childhood education.

Despite these achievements, Dr. Kantema acknowledged that significant challenges remain, particularly gender-based violence (GBV), child neglect, and human trafficking. She stressed the need for innovative, cross-sectoral approaches to address these persistent issues.

“Gender-Based Violence is not only a legal or social issue; it is a developmental crisis that affects families, communities, and the nation’s productivity,” Dr. Kantema said. “It contributes to trauma, disrupts education, perpetuates poverty, and undermines our collective progress toward gender equality.”

The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to deepening partnerships with communities, traditional authorities, faith-based organisations, and development partners to build a more inclusive and protective society.