By Our Reporter
Dozens of women converged at Hilltop Gardens, Naguru on Saturday morning in solidarity with their counterparts across the globe on the day of the “Women’s March”, which is a movement to push for equality and protection of women’s rights. Although there was no march in Kampala, the event still provided a space for women to share about issues that affect them and speak out against violence against women and other minority groups.
“We believe failure to provide reproductive and maternal health services is tantamount to violence against women and girls in Uganda,” said Ms. Robina Biteyi, the National Coordinator White Ribbon Alliance as she addressed the gathering. “But to provide quality healthcare we must first know what quality means to women and girls. We therefore urge women to speak out on what they want so that their voice can reach decision makers so as to improve women and girls health and rights.”
The Women’s March was first held in January 2017 in the US and millions across the globe also joined in to show their support for women and girls, human rights, and social and economic justice. The annual marches were initiated by women in the US standing together for the rights of women and other minority groups.
In Uganda, it is organised by women volunteers with support from well-wishers. This year’s edition was focused on how media can change the narrative in ending violence against women.
Rosebell Kagumire, a journalist and communications strategist, criticized the media for failing to properly tell stories of women victims who have been violated sexually or otherwise. “We need to listen to voices of victims and give them the support they need, whether they want to speak now or not. Media has to be open to give chance to victims to tell their story, and given without precondition of how their story will be shaped.” She noted.
