The Vice Chancellor of Kabale University, Prof. Joy Constance Kwesiga, has urged women and girls to remain confident and continue pushing forward to claim the opportunities and rights already provided for in law ahead of tomorrow’s International Women’s Day.
Speaking to our reporter, Prof. Kwesiga said that although Uganda’s legal framework, including the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, guarantees gender equality, affirmative action, and protection against discrimination and sexual harassment, the key challenge lies in ensuring that these provisions are fully implemented and respected in practice.
She emphasized that women must remain informed about their rights, support one another, and actively participate in decision-making spaces such as education, leadership, and community structures.
According to the Vice Chancellor, education remains one of the most powerful tools for empowering women and girls to challenge barriers that limit their potential. She encouraged young women to prioritize education, speak out against injustice, and reject situations that undermine their rights and opportunities.
Prof. Kwesiga noted that although significant progress has been made in advancing women’s rights, more effort is still needed to achieve equal opportunities for women in leadership, employment, and education.
She added that when women take advantage of the opportunities available today, however small, they help build a stronger foundation for future generations of women and girls.
Prof. Kwesiga also called for continued persistence and collective action among women, stressing that equality should not only exist in policies but must also be reflected in everyday life through accountability and active participation in society.
CUE IN PROF KWESIGA……ON THE MATTER……ENG//
She further noted that women and girls who want to make a difference in their communities must understand the realities affecting both women and men. In Uganda, she said, there is growing debate that while much attention has been placed on empowering girls, some boys are increasingly facing challenges such as school dropout, alcohol and substance abuse, and involvement in crime.
“This shows that both boys and girls need support, but their challenges are different and must be addressed according to their specific realities,” she explained.
CUE IN PROF KWESIGA……ON BOY Vs GIRL CHILD ISSUE……ENG//
Prof. Kwesiga emphasized that building confidence and leadership skills among girls from an early age is crucial. She said leadership training and awareness should begin in primary and secondary schools, where young people develop self-esteem and begin to see themselves as future leaders.
She observed that society has historically conditioned many girls to believe that leadership is not meant for them, with cultural expectations and language sometimes reinforcing that perception.
Educational institutions, she added, therefore have an important role in encouraging girls to take up leadership opportunities. At universities, student leadership positions such as guild leadership expose young people to decision-making, public engagement, and networking.
Many national leaders, she noted, began their journeys through student leadership, demonstrating the importance of these early opportunities.
Prof. Kwesiga urged girls to believe in their abilities and recognize that they are capable leaders. While family remains the foundation of society, she said women are equal contributors to their families, communities and the nation.
“With confidence, education, and opportunity, girls can grow into leaders who shape the future,” she said.
CUE IN PROF KWESIGA……ON GIRL CHILD LEADERSHIP……ENG//
This year’s International Women’s Day celebrations are being held under the theme: “Scaling up investment to accelerate access to justice for all women and girls in Uganda.”
