International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Every year, IWD brings attention to a particular theme, which is reflected in the activities of the day. In 2023, the theme for International Women’s Day is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”, which highlights the role of innovative technology in promoting gender equality and meeting the health and developmental needs of women and girls – with an emphasis on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
In Uganda, gender equality is a major issue. Women face significant obstacles when it comes to accessing basic services, educational opportunities, and economic resources. These barriers are particularly pervasive in rural areas, where traditional gender roles are often reinforced, and women are expected to perform unpaid labor. Additionally, the prevalence of gender-based violence, including sexual and domestic violence, is a major problem in Uganda.
On IWD, we must recognize and celebrate the leadership of women in Uganda who are working to advance gender equality and empower women and girls. For example, we at Open Space are implementing The Nile Explorer Bus Project, focusing its programming on empowering students, including young girls, through STEM learning, providing age-appropriate health information, and equipping them with essential life skills required for them to survive. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math and is an important way to introduce students to the world of innovation and problem-solving. By teaching students the basics of STEM and introducing them to the possibilities that exist in these fields, we play a part to break the gender gap that exists, especially in many STEM-related fields.
IWD is also an opportunity to highlight the importance of creating an enabling environment for women’s leadership and participation in decision-making processes. Local and national government officials must prioritize policies and investments that ensure women have access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. This must include greater representation of women in public office and decision-making bodies and the adoption of gender-sensitive laws and policies.
On this International Women’s Day, let us commit to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls in Uganda. By working together, we can create an inclusive and equitable society that values the contributions of all individuals.
