OPINION
As we approach Women’s Day this year under a theme Accelerating Action, let’s remember the countless women who are fighting for a better future, especially those in communities facing immense challenges. For generations, women have been marginalized, confined to domestic roles while men held positions of power. They were denied a voice, subjected to violence, and deprived of basic rights.
It’s a painful truth that women were often viewed as possessions, subjected to sexual harassment during wars, domestic abuse at home, and societal neglect, all while facing indifference from those around them. These injustices were perpetuated by a society that silenced women, denying them a voice and platform to speak out against their oppression.
It’s a sad reality that many mothers were denied control over land, even though they cultivated it. This lack of ownership is a form of injustice that limited their opportunities and contributed to the vulnerability of women in the face of climate change.
Women and young girls often walked long distances in search of water and firewood, exposing themselves to the risks of rape and early teenage pregnancies. This dire situation forced many girls into early marriages, robbing them of their childhood and opportunities for a better future.
Here we’re now, are we celebrating women’s day because all these injustices mentioned above and many more cease to exist?
Absolutely not. While we celebrate Women’s Day this year, it’s important to acknowledge that many of the injustices we mentioned still exist, albeit in different forms. We’re working towards a world where women are treated equally and have equal opportunities, but the fight for gender equality continues.
Women’s Day is a celebration of the progress we’ve made, seeing women in leadership roles and organizations like WoGEM Uganda advocating for gender equality and climate justice. These victories are a testament to the resilience and strength of women, but they also highlight the ongoing need for continued efforts towards a truly equitable society.
Statistical report by DigitalDefynd on 50 Female Leadership Facts and Statistics [2025] shows that women account for 38.9% of non profit organizations CEOs which shows a great move towards gender equality.
We reflect about the past and embrace the future that seems supportive to women and use this day to call out and upon every woman out their undergoing any form of injustice, that we’re past that stage of silent torture, speak out, reach out for support because other women in the rest of the world are willing to listen and amplify your cries.
This Women’s Day, let’s encourage every woman facing injustice to speak out, knowing that others will listen and support them. It’s about creating a world where women can thrive.
But this isn’t just a women’s issue. We need men to be active allies in this fight for gender equality.
Let’s celebrate this year’s women’s day with vigor and hunger for accelerating action towards gender equality.
Mary Blessing Ahairiirwe,
The writer is a Volunteer at Women for Green Economy Movement Uganda
Email: maryblessingahairiirwe@gmail.com.
