Uganda Launches Campaign to Champion Gender Equality

Uganda has officially launched the WomenUganda2025+ campaign, an initiative aimed at advancing women's rights, influencing policy, and challenging gender stereotypes.

The launch, held at the residence of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Uganda, Frederieke Quispel, brought together key diplomats, policymakers, and gender equality advocates in a unified effort to promote women's empowerment.

This initiative, spearheaded by female ambassadors in Uganda, aligns with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (Beijing+30)—a landmark global commitment to gender equality.

The campaign seeks to engage male change agents in championing women's rights, recognizing that gender equality benefits not just women but entire societies.

The campaign is set to run for a year, with two primary goals namely:

Influencing Policy Development – Advocates will engage Uganda’s political leadership to push for legislative reforms that promote gender equality and protect women from violence.

At the launch, Hon. Norbert Mao, Uganda’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, pledged to develop legislation safeguarding women against violence, reinforcing the government’s role in this movement.

It will also promote positive social norms and focus on changing societal attitudes through increased visibility and awareness, emphasizing that women’s empowerment is essential for building a just and democratic society.

Discussions at the launch highlighted critical issues such as unpaid care work, the need for stronger legal frameworks, and the role of young men in supporting gender equality.

The launch saw participation from multiple embassies and organizations.

Maria Håkansson, Ambassador of Sweden to Uganda, was accompanied by her male change-maker, Howard Mwesigwa, reflecting the campaign’s commitment to engaging men as allies in the fight for gender equality.

SQimilarly, H.E. Joash Arthur Maangi, High Commissioner of Kenya to Uganda, joined Ambassador Quispel in co-hosting the event, emphasizing a regional approach to advancing women’s rights.

Civil society organizations reaffirmed their commitment to tackling gender-based violence and advocating for stronger protections for women.

With the upcoming 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) set to review the progress of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the WomenUganda2025+ campaign presents a strategic moment for Uganda to reinforce its commitment to gender equality on a national and global scale.

As the campaign kicks off, stakeholders have emphasized the need for collective action, urging policymakers, civil society, and individuals to take meaningful steps toward achieving gender parity.

With a strong foundation laid at the launch, the campaign is poised to drive meaningful change in Uganda while ensuring that women’s voices are heard, rights are protected, and opportunities are equally accessible to all.