In a speech delivered by Hon. Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke, Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, she emphasized the importance of empowering the girl child to achieve their full potential and become leaders of in future.
The Minister highlighted Uganda’s achievements in providing girls with better access to healthcare and education, protecting them from violence, and involving them in decision-making processes. However, despite these accomplishments, challenges remain, including economic slowdown, gender disparities in secondary education, high levels of violence against girls, and harmful social norms.
The Minister made recommendations towards addressing challenges facing girls, including supporting families to champion girls’ leadership aspirations and investing in education for skill development. Female role models and mentors were encouraged to engage with girls, while public campaigns against violence and gender-based violence were recommended.
Government efforts to prevent gender-based violence and harmful practices must be intensified to protect the health, well-being, and rights of adolescent girls. According to the Minister, empowering girls secures a brighter future for Uganda.
The International Day of the Girl Child is commemorated worldwide every 11th of October to raise awareness of the challenges girls face and promote the empowerment of girls and achievements towards gender equality.
