By Anzoo Evaline.

Stakeholders in Adjumani District have reaffirmed their commitment to support and protect women and girls as the district joined the rest of the country to commemorate International Women’s Day.

The celebration was held under the theme “Scaling up Investment to Accelerate Access to Justice for All Women and Girls in Uganda,” bringing together district leaders, development partners, civil society organizations, and community members to reflect on the progress made in advancing women’s rights while addressing the challenges that remain.

Speaking during the event, Hon. Chandia Doris Vueni, the Chief Organizer of the Day and Female District Councilor representing Pakele Sub-county, praised women for their crucial role in community development and family welfare.

“As women, you are the backbone of our community, driving development and nurturing families,” she said. “Women of Adjumani are the driving force behind our social and economic growth. Your resilience and determination inspire everybody in the families,” Chandia said

Candia urged stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that empower women and girls, noting that while progress has been achieved, several challenges still hinder women from fully enjoying their rights and opportunities.

“As we mark this day, let us recognize the progress made and the challenges that remain. We must invest in women’s education, health, and economic empowerment,” she added.

The Secretary for Health for Adjumani District Local Government, Hon. Sabuni John, emphasized that women play a critical role in development and must continue to be prioritized in national and local policies.

“Other nations still do not recognize the importance of women. But for us in Uganda, we value women and indeed women are key in the development sector,” Sabuni said.

Representatives from development partners also echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for sustained collaboration to protect and empower women and girls.

Gelgla Tsega, the Head of Sub Office for United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Adjumani, noted that the day is not only meant for celebration but also for reflection and renewed commitment to gender equality.

“This day offers an important opportunity to celebrate the resilience, achievements, and contributions of women and girls in our communities. But it is also a day to remember the challenges that we all face and to reaffirm our commitment that every woman and girl enjoys equal rights of protection and equal rights in opportunities in Uganda and all over the world for advancing gender equality and sustainable development,” Tsega said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Adjumani District, Emmanuel Okware, highlighted the strides Uganda has made in promoting women’s representation in leadership and governance.

According to Okware, women currently hold 33 percent of seats in parliament, while 22 percent of elected positions in local governments are occupied by women.

“These statistics highlight areas where progress is being made,” he said. “The government of Uganda, through parliament, has adopted laws to protect women’s rights in areas such as domestic violence, property ownership, and employment,” Okware said.

He further urged all stakeholders to continue supporting policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s protection and empowerment.

“As we celebrate this day, we commit ourselves and urge all stakeholders to also commit themselves to ensuring that women and girls are protected and empowered,” Okware added.

Participants at the event also called for increased investment in programs that promote access to justice for women and girls, especially in rural communities where many cases of gender-based violence often go unreported.

Community leaders emphasized that empowering women economically and socially is key to reducing vulnerability and ensuring they can actively contribute to development.

The celebrations in Adjumani District were marked by cultural performances, speeches, and community engagements aimed at promoting gender equality and recognizing the role of women in building resilient communities.

Stakeholders concluded the event by pledging to continue working together to ensure that women and girls enjoy equal rights, protection, and opportunities in society.

END.