Uganda Marks International Women’s Day 2025 with Strong Commitments and Global Praise for Gender Equality Progress

On March 8, 2025, UN Women Uganda commemorated International Women's Day with nationwide events and activities. The national celebrations were held at Bukwiri, Church of Uganda Primary School, Kyankwanzi district, under the theme "Accelerate Action for Gender Equality," emphasizing the need for strategic interventions toward a gender-equal future.

President Yoweri Museveni, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister for Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, officiated the event. In his address, the President highlighted Uganda's deliberate efforts to empower women, noting significant progress in women's leadership and economic empowerment. He also advocated for societal emancipation through free education and encouraged citizens to utilize programs like the Parish Development Model to alleviate poverty.

“We are deliberate at empowering women through educating masses on wealth creation, empowering women through free education, and skilling the girl child in vocational trainings, will endure a holistic development of the Uganda society,” the President said.

The Vice President, Jessica Alupo, praised the President's commitment to women's emancipation, acknowledging the conducive environment for women's growth in various sectors, including education, where parity has been achieved in primary school enrollment.

The celebrations featured an all-women parade commanded by Col. Susan Mwanga, symbolizing women's increasing roles in sectors traditionally dominated by men. At the same function, President Museveni awarded medals to notable Ugandans, including the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, for exceptional service.
 

In his remarks, the UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda, Mr. Leonard Zulu, said Uganda stands out for presenting one of the best global reports on implementing this landmark commitment.

He said the country has made strides in reducing maternal mortality, improving girls' education, and enhancing women's participation in leadership.

Zulu noted that programs like the Parish Development Model and the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme have created economic opportunities for women, supporting their transition from subsistence to market-oriented activities.

“Beijing+30 presents an opportunity to reflect on progress and define strategic actions to accelerate gender equality in Uganda. With just five and a half years remaining to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, it is now as important as ever for us to collectively redouble our efforts,” Zulu said, accompanied by the UN Women Uganda Representative, Dr. Paulina Chiwangu alongside the UNDP Uganda Country Representative, Ms. Nwanne Vwede-Obahor.

At the same celebrations, the Swedish Ambassador to Uganda, Maria Håkansson, commended Uganda's advancements in gender equality. She highlighted the country's progress in women's leadership, economic empowerment, and the strengthening of legal frameworks to protect women and girls. Notably, she acknowledged that Uganda has become a model nation in the region, with other countries, including Sweden, looking to learn from its approach. Håkansson pointed out that Sweden still lags behind Uganda in terms of women's representation in political positions, stating, "With all humility, I must say that Sweden is still way behind Uganda when it comes to women’s representation in political positions. So, well done, Uganda."