Speaker Anita Among Officiates at the 2nd Women's Parliament: A Call for Gender Equity and Women’s Empowerment
Rt. Hon. Speaker Anita Among underscored the significance of the Women's Parliament as a reflection of the gains made by women over the years.
The 2nd Women's Parliament was officially opened today by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, as part of the commemoration of International Women's Day to be held on 8th March 2025. The event, which brings together women leaders, legislators, and stakeholders, aims to amplify the voices of women in policymaking and advocate for gender-responsive legislative measures.
In his opening remarks, the Clerk to Parliament, Hon. Adolf Mwesige, described the Women's Parliament as a significant milestone in the history of Uganda’s legislative process, celebrating the achievements of women while pushing for progressive reforms.
"This is a key milestone of the 11th Parliament and an effort to transform Parliament into the people's Parliament," Hon. Mwesige stated, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and representation.
Rt. Hon. Speaker Anita Among underscored the significance of the Women's Parliament as a reflection of the gains made by women over the years. She called upon women leaders to remain steadfast in their efforts to uplift fellow women and girls, ensuring their competitiveness in all spheres of life.
"We must always advocate for women," Speaker Among urged, rallying female leaders to commit to improving women's welfare, living conditions, and overall aspirations.
A key aspect of her address was a passionate appeal for discussions on women's issues to focus on rural women, who often face the brunt of gender disparities. She pointed out domestic violence and harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as critical concerns that must be urgently addressed.
During the session, Hon. Hajjati Faridah Kibowa was elected as the Speaker of the 2nd Women's Parliament. She was deputized by Hon. Mackline Natukwasa.
In her inaugural speech, Speaker Hajjati Kibowa emphasized the need to institutionalize the Women's Parliament as an annual event leading up to International Women's Day.
She stressed that this would ensure women’s concerns are consistently addressed and acted upon by policymakers.
The 2nd Women's Parliament successfully debated and passed several motions aimed at advancing gender equality and women's empowerment. These include:
Motion urging the government to implement gender-responsive climate action and resilience building – This motion highlights the need to support women, particularly in the agricultural sector, as they play a crucial role in food security and environmental conservation.
Motion to enhance access to education for the girl child – Recognizing education as a fundamental tool for empowerment, this resolution calls for policies that increase school enrollment and retention rates for girls, particularly in rural areas.
Motion to strengthen policies for women's economic empowerment – This seeks to improve financial inclusion, access to credit, and support for women entrepreneurs to achieve financial independence.
Motion to strengthen women's participation in politics – This motion advocates for increased representation of women in leadership positions, ensuring they have a strong voice in decision-making processes.
The 2nd Women's Parliament reaffirmed the commitment of Ugandan legislators and stakeholders to advancing the rights and welfare of women. With Speaker Anita Among leading the charge, the event underscored the importance of sustained advocacy, policy reforms, and action-oriented discussions to bridge gender disparities.
As Uganda continues to strive for gender equity, the resolutions passed at the Women's Parliament serve as a blueprint for addressing key challenges affecting women and ensuring they are active participants in shaping the nation's future.
