A
Ugandan NGO “Engabu Za Tooro -Tooro Youth Platform for Action” uses culture to
promote gender equality. About eleven years ago it identified, research on and
profiled a very rich African oral tradition build around a heroine called
Koogere and an era of women leadership.
A gender programme was developed around
this oral tradition and its results have been documented. In 2010 the
organization worn accreditation to UNESCO to offer advisory services to the
Intergovernmental Committee for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
Using this opportunity, the organization in 2011 mobilised women groups to
petition UNESCO to inscribe this oral tradition on women leadership on the
world list of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding.
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| Part of the women group who petitioned UNESCO to recorgnise Koogere Oral Tration |
The
evaluation of the nomination has been going on and the oral tradition is
scheduled to be inscribed during the 10th session of UNESCO’s
Intergovernmental Committee for safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage
which will take place from 30th November to 4th December
2015 in Windheock Namibia.
Representatives of the bearer indigenous women
groups are given opportunity to show case the oral tradition during that UNESCO
global meeting as part of the inscription process. The organization is
currently fundraising for 50,000 US dollars, to facilitate the travel of 20
indigenous women folk performers who will show case. We shall be happy to
receive comments and possible partnership.
To
access the full dossier of the Koogere Oral Tradition go to:
