9 Reasons Why You Should Empower Women in Uganda.
Empowering women in Uganda is not just a moral perspective, but rather a key strategy to transform livelihoods, communities, and the national economy at large. Females, including women contribute to over a half of Uganda’s population, yet they still face pressing challenges like gender-based violence, discrimination and limited access to education. Below are 9 reasons why investing in empowering women in Uganda is absolutely crucial.
Improving Health Outcomes.
An empowered woman will ensure to make healthier choices for themselves and their families. According to the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey 2022 by UBOS, having unlimited access to education and economic independence enables them to prioritize child and maternal health, thus reducing Uganda’s high maternal mortality rates. When a woman is empowered, they are more likely to seek reproductive health services while adopting family planning. Empowered women will also address issues affecting females in general, like addressing teenage pregnancy.
Enhancing Economic Growth and Development.
When women are empowered financially, Uganda’s economy is subsequently improved. Empowered women with access to education, financial resources and skills training contribute significantly to the workforce, commerce and entrepreneurship. According to UN Women, eliminating the gender gap in labor force participation could directly boost the global economy, with Uganda also playing a part. Ugandan women often reinvest their income back into their families and communities thus directly enhancing Uganda’s economic growth and development.
Addressing Poverty.
Ugandan women especially in rural areas play a massive role in agricultural production. If empowered, their efforts directly address poverty. Studies show that when resources are controlled by women, a remarkable impact can arise. This is because women prioritize family welfare, improved nutrition, education, and the entire healthcare system. Women in Uganda constitute a significant portion of smallholder farmers. Therefore, providing them equal access to land and modern farming techniques can boost agricultural yields. This raises household income and alleviates poverty in families.
Enhancing Education.
Education is an important strategy to empower women in Uganda, thus investing in girls’ education rewards a family, community and nation. An educated woman is more likely to educate their child than one who is not. This could in turn break cycles of illiteracy and poverty. Studies in education indicate that the literacy rate among females is lower than in males (72% to 77%). Therefore, boosting strategies like free primary education “Bona basome” and full scholarships for girls is still necessary. This ensures that they gain the skills required to thrive and progress in a modern economy.
Combating Gender Based Violence.
According to UBOS’s 2020 National Survey on Violence in Uganda, Gender-Based Violence is still a pressing issue in many families, with more women than men facing it harder. In 2023, the Uganda Prison’s Services reported around 113 women died due to Gender-Based Violence compared to 95 men. Therefore, empowering women through education, legal protection and economic independence may help them escape abusive situations in their homes. Initiatives like establishing shelters for survivors and awareness campaigns, help to empower women to assert their rights and seek justice aiming for safer families and communities.
Strengthening Political Inclusion.
Women’s voices in Uganda’s political space are needed for inclusive governance. Uganda reserves 146 parliamentary seats for only women. But, since the percentage of men to women Members of Parliament is 67% to 33%, the latter are still underrepresented. There is need to ensure gender equality in the Parliament of Uganda for women empowerment. According to a 2024 UNDP report, empowered women leaders may advocate for laws that address issues like education, healthcare and Gender-Based Violence.
Enhancing Sustainable Development.
To meet Uganda’s National Development Plans, especially in agriculture, women are vital. For instance, women farmers can be empowered through accessing resources and capacity building trainings. This enhances food security and promotes sustainable farming practices. Since they comprise over half of Uganda’s population, women’s active participation in economic and social initiatives is vital to attain global frameworks like the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals that Uganda is committed to.
Breaking Cultural Limitations.
Traditional gender roles in Uganda often limit women’s ability to engage in that particular field. This may range from decision-making to land ownership and some careers. Women empowerment may challenge a great number of these norms while aiming for equality in the communities and household. Small-scale agriculture as identified in Uganda’s rice and cassava farmers enables women to gain financial independence. In addition, women may challenge men-dominated business spaces. This implies that by changing cultural perceptions, empowerment may pave way for long-term gender equality.
Enhancing Human Rights.
Inalienable human rights in a country are very vital for everyone including women. If women are empowered, the country has fully respected global human rights requirements. Women empowerment ensures that all women have equal access to employment, education, land and safety among others. Therefore, empowering them ensures that they fulfill their rights as highlighted in the 1995 Uganda Constitution. According to the World Bank (2023), women empowerment ensures society moves closer to justice and equality for all.