By Shallon Nagasha,
Op_Ed
Protecting women’s rights is not only a legal obligation but also a pathway to justice, sustainable development and inclusive prosperity.
Across the world, women have made remarkable contributions to shaping families, communities, economies and nations. They are farmers, entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare workers, scientists, environmental defenders, policymakers and community leaders. In Uganda, women form the backbone of agriculture, drive household economies and play a critical role in conserving natural resources and building resilient communities. Yet, despite these contributions, many continue to face barriers that limit their ability to fully enjoy their rights and realize their potential.
Women’s rights are not privileges to be granted when convenient; they are fundamental human rights guaranteed under the constitution of Uganda, regional human rights instruments and international conventions. These rights include the right to education, health, property, decent work, equal participation in leadership, freedom from violence and discrimination and access to justice. Protecting these rights is essential to building a society founded on equality, dignity and opportunity for all.
Progress has undoubtedly been made. More girls are enrolling in schools, women are increasingly participating in leadership, and public awareness of gender equality has grown. Legislative and policy reforms for promoting women’s empowerment. However, legal protections alone are not enough. Many women continue to encounter discrimination in employment, unequal access to land and financial resources, gender-based violence, harmful social norms and limited representation in decision making processes.
These challenges are even more pronounced for women living in rural communities, women with disabilities, elderly, young women and those affected by poverty, conflict and climate change. Their experiences remind us that equality on paper does not always translate into equality in everyday life.
Climate change has added another dimension to the struggle for women’s rights. Increasing droughts, floods, land degradation and biodiversity loss are not gender-neutral. Women, particularly those who depend on agriculture and natural resources for their livelihoods, often bear the greatest burden. As water sources dry up and harvests become less predictable, women spend more time securing food, water and fuel for their families, leaving fewer opportunities for education, income generation and civic participation.
Yet women are not merely victims of these challenges. Across Uganda ,they are leading community initiatives to restore degraded landscapes ,promote agroecology ,adopt renewable energy solutions ,establish green enterprises and strengthen local resilience to climate change .Their knowledge ,leadership and innovation and indispensable to sustainable development.Recognising and investing in women’s leadership is therefore not only a matter of justice but also a practical strategy for building resilient communities and protecting the environment.
Advancing women’s rights also requires addressing the economic inequalities that continue to limit opportunities for many women. Equal access to land, credit, technology, markets, education and skills development enable women to contribute more effectively to household incomes, local economies and national development. When women thrive economically, families become more secure, children are better supported and communities become more resilient.
Ending violence against women and girls must remain a national priority. Every woman has the right to live free from physical, emotional, sexual, economic and psychological violence. Homes, schools, workplaces and public spaces should be places of safety and respect not fear. Strengthening prevention efforts, improving access to justice, supporting survivors and challenging harmful cultural norms require sustained commitment from government, communities, families and institutions.
Women’s rights are not solely a women’s issue. They are a societal issue that demands collective responsibility, Governments must continue strengthening laws and ensuring their effective implementation. The private sector should create workplaces that promote equality and dignity. Educational institutions must cultivate environments where girls and boys learn to respect one another. Religious and cultural leaders can help reshape social norms that undermine the rights of women and girls. Men and boys must also be active partners in promoting equality, challenging discrimination and creating communities where everyone can thrive.
The journey towards equality is not complete until every woman and girl, regardless of where she lives or her social or economic status, can exercise her rights without fear, discrimination or exclusion. This is not simply an aspiration; it is a responsibility shared by all of us.
BTN the Lines: only 53% of girls aged between six and twelve completing the required seven years of primary education, and just 22.5% of Ugandan women enrolling in secondary education.
At Women for Green Economy Movement Uganda (WoGEMU), we believe that protecting women’s rights is fundamental to achieving climate justice, environmental sustainability, economic transformation and lasting peace. A society that values the rights, voices and leadership of women is better equipped to confront today’s challenges and seize tomorrow’s opportunities.
As we continue to advocate for a greener and more inclusive future, let us reaffirm a simple but powerful truth: women’s rights are human rights, safeguarding them is essential for building a just, prosperous and sustainable Uganda.
Women for Green Economy Movement (WoGEM) Uganda
“Empowering Women. Advancing Climate Action. Building a Green Economy”.
