By Patricia K. Litho, Board Chair, Uganda Media Women’s Asociation (UMWA)
The struggle for gender equity remains a challenge, calling for more tenacity, determination and a desire for social justice. Collectively we must make the crucial steps towards building a fair, inclusive and harmonious society. It is a long journey, seeing that the Global Gender Gap Report 2022 (World Economic Forums 2022) indicates that gender parity may not be achieved for a further 132 years. Although this represents a slight improvement from the 2021 report that estimated it at 136 years to parity.
While more women have been moving into paid work over the years, with increasing participation in leadership, professional and education attainment; society doesn’t seem fully prepared to receive them as evidenced through policies and workplace environments that remain leaning more towards men’s needs over women’s requirements.
At its core, gender equality demands that individuals be granted the same rights, opportunities and recognition. It is about empowering women (and other minorities) to participate actively in every sphere of life including the political, economic, social and cultural. Indeed, fostering gender equality is not a favour to be granted but a fundamental human right that should be celebrated and protected.
One of the most pressing issues in this battle for gender equality is the persistent gender wide gap. It is a sad reality that, in many societies, women continue to earn less than their male counter parts for the same work. Bridging this gap isn’t necessarily about economic justice but also about creating an environment in which individuals are recognized and rewarded based on their skills not their gender.
The fight for gender equality extends to challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes. For centuries, societies have prescribed rigid norms that dictates what women and men can and cannot do. Breaking from these shackles requires collective efforts to dismantle the toxic belief that certain professions or qualities are inherently gender specific. It is essential to foster an environment where both men and women can explore their interests and passions freely without fear of judgement or ridicule.
Promoting gender equality is not an isolated endevour, it is intimately connected to other social issues such as education, healthcare, and violence against women. Access to quality education is a powerful tool in empowering women to reach their full potential and contribute significantly to society. Additionally, ensuring accessible healthcare for all, with particular focus on reproductive health, is a critical component of gender equality. Likewise, addressing violence against women and providing a safe environment for all is an indispensable aspect of building an equitable society.
The media as a powerful influencer of societal norms, bears substantial responsibility in the quest for gender equality. The representation of women in media should move beyond stereotypes and objectification, portraying them as strong, independent, and multifaceted individuals. By doing so, the media can play a transformative role in shaping attitudes and promoting gender inclusivity.
Achieving gender equality demands the active involvement of governments, civil society, businesses, and individuals. Legislation that upholds gender equality should be enacted and enforced rigorously. However, legal measures alone are insufficient. It requires collective efforts on challenging discriminatory attitudes and behaviors, promoting diversity and inclusion and fostering a culture of respect and empathy.
Education plays a central role in the fight for gender equality. Schools and educational institutions should teach children from an early age about the importance of gender equality and challenge harmful stereotypes. Moreover, educational curricula should be revised to include the achievements and contributions of women in history, science, arts and other fields.
In conclusion, gender equality is not an utopian concept, it is an achievable reality that lies within our grasp. By dismantling barriers and fostering inclusivity, we can pave the way towards a just society, where every individual, regardless of gender, can flourish and contribute meaningfully. Embracing gender equality is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic move towards a more prosperous and harmonious future, Let us join hands and embark on this journey together, with compassion and determination, for a world where gender equality is celebrated and upheld as a cornerstone of progress.
