KAMPALA, UGANDA: The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, His Grace Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has reechoed the importance of proper mentorship for boys to ensure a better future for girls and women.
The Archbishop made the remarks on Wednesday at the Church of Uganda International Women’s Day Celebrations at Namirembe Cathedral.
Kaziimba noted that while efforts are being made to address the marginalization of women, there is a tendency to overlook the boy child. He cautioned that without adequate mentoring, boys may not fully appreciate the concept of gender equality.
Mugalu emphasized that gender-based discrimination is a systematic problem deeply entrenched in the social, political, and economic fabric of society.
Since his enthronement, Kaziimba has been advocating for the needs of the boy child, noting that historically, the Church and the nation have prioritized the education and empowerment of the girl child with efforts to reduce teenage pregnancy, early marriages, and gender-based violence, while the development and well-being of boys have been overlooked.
According to Kaziimba, achieving gender equity and uplifting women is not possible if the needs and development of the boy child are neglected, even if girls and women are empowered.
Grace Murengezi, the President of the Mother’s Union Church of Uganda, noted that parents have the ability to promote gender equity for future generations by raising both boys and girls equally.
During the event, the province organized a cook day where men who are staff at the province prepared food. This activity was chosen to demonstrate how women can be supported in even the seemingly smallest of issues in society by eliminating gender roles and stereotypes.
Anders Bastholm Hansen, the Country Director of Dan Church Aid said that gender inequality still exists, with women still being disproportionately affected by poverty and unemployment.
Hansen praised the cook day as a positive gesture that shows how men and women can work together towards gender equality. He added that by participating in an activity that is traditionally reserved for women, the men demonstrated a willingness to challenge gender stereotypes and promote equality.
Hansen emphasized that efforts to promote gender equality should not be limited to Women’s Day celebrations but rather be integrated and prioritized throughout the year.
Reflecting on the international theme of the day “digital innovation and technology for gender equality,” Kazimba noted that there is still a need to support women and girls in overcoming barriers to digital access.
He further expressed concern that without adequate support, the opportunities presented by the digital revolution may perpetuate existing patterns of gender inequality and prevent women from fully realizing the potential of technology.
Murengezi addressed the issue of online harassment and discrimination, directing her comments toward women and urging them to use digital spaces responsibly. She observed that women and girls sometimes engage in irresponsible behavior online, which can lead to online harassment.
Murengezi suggested that rather than simply playing the victim, women need to understand how to conduct themselves in digital spaces.
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