Since its birth in Europe, IWD has grown to become a global day of recognition and celebration across developed and developing countries alike. For decades, IWD (March 8th)has grown from strength to strength . In Uganda the day started in the early 1980`s. It was first requested for by the then First Lady Miria Obote to be made a public holiday in the country. She made the request during one of her annual state House speeches in Entebbe. The very first ever nationally commemorated IWD was in 1986.
This year, we are celebrating the day under the theme ““Inspiring Girls, Connecting Futures”
Please read what ACFODE staff has to say about this day. And at the end, please share with us in your own words what this day means to you and all women world over.
Regina Bafaki
Executive Director
Women’s Day is a day that should be used to acknowledge women’s achievements and recognize their deeds. On this day, we should pay tribute to the women who have lost their lives due to poor facilities, those who have lost their lives at the hands of their partners and those women who continue to suffer to bring food on their tables and yet are not acknowledged but rather shunned and tortured.
Women’s day should also be a time when we stalk of what the government and the different partners have done to advance women’s empowerment. However, despite the commitments and the domestication of the different treaties, programs put in place, there is still a challenge of their implementation and in all that is being done that is in decision making and policy making among others , where is the woman and are the roles of the women recognized?
And just like the theme states, we must keep connected with each other i.e. for age mates and future generations for purposes of mentoring, shared learning and supporting each other so that we make the future better. If we do not, the world will blame us and besides who will support us?
As we commemorate this day, we should also condemn greedy leaders, all acts of violence against women and girls, and cultural practices that dehumanize women.
Wishing everyone a happy Women’s Day!
Becky Murray
Social Policy Analyst
Sending love and positivity to all the women who are suffering in Uganda and elsewhere on International Women's Day 2012! I hope the work of ACFODE and organizations like her continues to effect change such that you and your daughters get to experience the freedom and happiness you deserve.
Patricia Otuka-Karner
Technical Assistant
The date of the International Women’s Day is quite significant. The female workers of a textile factory in New York started a strike to advocate for better living and working conditions. The owners of the factory locked them inside to limit solidarity with others and when a fire broke out, 129 of them died. I believe remembering this occasion every year as a symbol of the struggle of women all over the world is encouraging. Their bravery and commitment has to be acknowledged and we can gain strength from it to move our own cause forward.
Joyce Nabaloga
Finance & Administration Manager
Women are the real architects of society. Happy Women’s Day!!
Sandra Nassali
Public Relations & Communications Officer
I am proud to say that today in Uganda and world over; we have lots of women who share the ideal of creating a world where women can enjoy equal rights with men. They see their mission as helping fellow women, who can’t speak for themselves and who cannot keep promises of better and more egalitarian lives. They are living the legacy of women's rights that eight generations of women before us gave their best to achieve.
Women, acting together, adding their small stones to the grand mosaic, have increased their rights against all odds, nonviolently, from an initial position of powerlessness. They have a lot to be proud of in this heroic legacy, and a great deal to celebrate on this day. They have clearly been successful in irrevocably changing the circumstances and hopes of fellow women.
In the world of work, large numbers of women have entered the professions, the trades, and businesses of every kind. Ranks of the clergy, the politicians, the military, and the newsrooms among others have been opened up for women from their ‘traditional’ roles of house chores.
As women, we should be proud of these achievements.
However, though much has been accomplished, a lot still remains to be done since substantial barriers to the full equality of Africa's women still remains before our freedom.
So, Women’s Day should be one of those days that challenges all of us to tackle these remaining injustices in the courts and conference rooms, in homes and organizations, workplaces and playing fields of different states in the continent.
But with all of this going on, we should never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has as Alice Paul, that intrepid organizer who first wrote out the Equal Rights Amendment in 1923, said, "I always feel that the women’s movement is sort of a mosaic. Each of us puts in one little stone, and then you get a great mosaic at the end."
Happy Women’s Day people
Sheila kinaheirwe
Project Officer
As we celebrate the constant struggles and accomplishments of women across the world on this day, let us remember to continue to pave way for the future generation of strong women because the small daily challenges we take on to make a difference in the lives of other women, can over time add up to big differences we may not have ever foreseen. Happy Women’s Day!
Margaret Ssebunya
Programs Assistant
To all women and girls in Uganda and the world at large, Happy Women’s Day!!
In as much as we have registered a number of achievements in many areas, there are very many challenges still affecting us and hindering the realization of our rights. However, we have a number of unexploited potentials and opportunities to embrace. As our theme for the year states “Inspiring Girls, Connecting Futures” I call upon all Ugandans in their different capacities to inspire the girl child to enjoy a better future.
Rachael Mpiriirwe
Assistant Project Officer
Happy Women’s day! We have come a long way and we do really need to celebrate this day because we hold the future of this nation. Happy Women’s Day every one!!
Evas Korugyendo
Accounts Assistant
This time round, let us focus on women’s empowerment through social and economic security. Happy Women’s Day!!
Hellen Mirembe
Administrative Assistant
International women’s Day is a day to recognize women’s rights that have been violated for years so that they can be appreciated. Bravo to all the women in the world!
Ssekirevu Andrew
Volunteer
After 50years of Uganda’s independence, there is no better to say that women in Uganda are proud of their achievements. I wish all the women of Uganda a happy International Women’s Day and fight to be heard. BIG UP!
Belinda Kyomuhendo
Volunteer
The woman and girls of Uganda have come a long way…. Congratulations!! But there is still a long way to go. Let’s not give up. Happy Women’s Day!!
Esther Namitala
Volunteer
If you could see it from my perspective, you would know that you are one GEM of a woman! Happy Women’s Day!!
Robinah Nafuna
Office Assistant
Despite the miles moved by women, they are still mistreated by their husbands. Therefore they should work harder to ensure that they achieve their dreams, should stop mistreating and abandoning their children but instead love them, and as they aim at achieving all these, they should not forget their families and their roles. Happy Women’s Day!
Ainomugisha Happy
Volunteer
Bravo women of Uganda but don’t forget the fight is for your rights is still on. Therefore, I encourage you to stay focused and keep on the road.
So, what is your say/wish? We can't wait to hear it!!
Complied by:
Sandra Nassali
Andrew Ssekirevu
Esther Namitala
Public Relations & Communications Department
Action For Development
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