Uganda, like many other countries, is set to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8 under the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” which carries particular relevance to the women of Uganda. .
The theme underscores the importance of investing in women not just for their individual advancement but for the progress of society as a whole.
How should women in Uganda be empowered?
The government of Uganda should invest in making finance available to women in agriculture, which will help boost their productivity, livelihoods, and ability to drive climate action.
The current gender gap in access to finance can be overcome, for example, by making financial products and systems more inclusive, supporting women’s businesses, and ensuring that financial policies support women’s needs.
According to Racheal Naijuka, founder of the Tania Foundation and CEO of Redshield Limited, empowering women economically leads to improved livelihoods for themselves and their families. She added that it can be achieved through initiatives such as access to financial services, entrepreneurship support, and skills training.
“Uganda has created opportunities for women, including middle-income earners, to tap into brands that have been sought out to help push and expand women’s businesses, for example, through grants like the Grow Fund under the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, which is helping Ugandan women to boost and grow their businesses,” Naijuka said.
She added that Uganda has created a peaceful environment for business owners due to its stability and emancipation for women, which helps them to operate business wisely, thrive, and progress in business.
Dr. Marion Olga Alina, a lecturer at the department of journalism and communication at Makerere University, says investing in women’s education is crucial for their personal development, economic empowerment, and the overall advancement of society.
“Encouraging and supporting girls’ education has a transformative impact on Uganda’s development. It helps the women to inclusively fight for job opportunities, economic empowerment, and decision-making with their male counterparts,” Dr. Alina said.
The government could address women’s health issues and ensure that access to healthcare services is essential. Investments in maternal health, family planning, and tackling gender-based violence significantly improve the well-being of women and society at large, hence accelerating economic progress.
Bernadette Chandia Kodili, a female politician from Moyo district, said that accelerating progress for women involves increasing their representation in leadership and decision-making roles. She stressed that it is critical to invest in programmes that promote women’s participation in politics, governance, and community leadership, an area that the Ugandan government has handled well.
“Uganda has invested in its women to take up the big seats in leadership. Top female leaders like the Vice President, Speaker of Parliament, Prime Minister, and other ministerial positions who fight hard to uplift women have led to progress for Ugandan women up to the village level,” Chandia said.
Investments in promoting gender equality, dismantling discriminatory practices, and challenging harmful norms and stereotypes are vital components for advancing women’s rights and progress. By investing in women, Uganda will produce progress in various areas, including economic development, health outcomes, and social advancement.
