Women Leaders Push for Economic Empowerment and Gender Equality Ahead of Women’s Day

With women comprising 51% of Uganda’s population of 45.9 million, there is growing pressure on the government to bridge financial gaps and remove barriers limiting women’s decision-making power across all sectors.

As Uganda prepares to mark International Women's Day on March 8, 2025, leaders are calling for stronger action to empower women economically and dismantle persistent gender inequalities.

With women comprising 51% of Uganda’s population of 45.9 million, there is growing pressure on the government to bridge financial gaps and remove barriers limiting women’s decision-making power across all sectors.

During a briefing ahead of the celebrations in Kyankwanzi, leaders urged the government to implement measurable changes, particularly in economic empowerment and governance.

Dr Paulina Chiwangu, the UN Women Representative in Uganda, acknowledged progress in advancing women’s rights but stressed the need to break more barriers.

"While Uganda has made strides in empowering women, there are still many social and cultural barriers that hinder women’s participation in critical decision-making processes," she said, calling for action beyond policy commitments.

A recent UN Women report highlights a stark gender pay gap, with women earning 25.2% less per hour and 32.3% less per month than men.

State Minister for Culture Peace Mutuuzo attributed these disparities to deeply ingrained social norms.

"We need to reinforce women's rights and challenge cultural norms that restrict their access to resources and property ownership," she said.

Mutuuzo also noted that women remain largely excluded from high-income opportunities. "Anything that fetches high resources is often inaccessible to women, and this hinders their ability to make important decisions in society," she explained.

Gender-based violence remains a pressing issue, with Uganda recording 184 cases annually, including 644 girls among the victims. The government has pledged to strengthen policies to safeguard women’s rights.

“We must dismantle social barriers that prevent women from living freely and contributing fully to society,” Mutuuzo added.

Despite Uganda’s early commitment to women’s rights—being the first country to sign the Beijing Platform for Action in 1995—leaders stress the need for continued progress.

"No one should hide behind cultural norms to deny women their rights, especially in land ownership," Mutuuzo said, advocating for equal property rights.

The Women’s Day celebrations in Kyankwanzi will honor 46 women and four men with medals for their contributions to gender equality and social progress. Leaders also called for greater autonomy for women in marriage, emphasizing their right to make personal and family decisions without societal constraints.

As the world observes International Women’s Day, Ugandan leaders are urging action over rhetoric, emphasizing that true gender equality requires economic empowerment, wage fairness, and the dismantling of cultural and social barriers.