Church of Uganda and our development partner Dan Church Aid (DCA) joined the rest of the world today to commemorate the International Women’s Day under the global theme “Digital: Innovation and technology for gender equality”.
Church of Uganda organized a cook event at the Provincial Secretariat in Namirembe to symbolically bridge the gap on traditional Gender roles and stereotypes that hinder women’s advancement in Innovation and technology.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu was the Chief Cook and below is his statement:
The international women’s day is a day to recognize the extraordinary role of women in our society and to stand together as one to advance gender equality (Male and Female) around the world.
It is important for us to examine how gender equality, empowerment and sustainable development can be achieved in the digital era. Although digital technological advancement is rapidly transforming societies, it is also giving rise to profound new challenges that may perpetuate and deepen existing gender inequalities.
The growing inequalities are becoming increasingly evident in the context of digital skills and access to technologies, with women being left behind. As gender inequality is still a challenge, I call for urgent action in these areas; – increasing education, – income security and – employment for women and girls, particularly in the less privileged communities.
The need for transformative technology and digital education for women is therefore crucial for a sustainable future. Additionally, women and girls’ full participation and leadership in science and technology must also be promoted.
Online harassment and discrimination against women and girls is a widespread problem with many female users experiencing sexist and hateful comments especially on social media spaces.
The pervasive threat of online gender-based violence coupled with a lack of legal action too often forces them out of the digital spaces they do occupy. The opportunities of the digital revolution present a risk of perpetuating existing patterns of gender inequality and keeps women from unlocking technology’s full potential.
The importance of protecting the rights of women and girls in digital spaces and addressing online and ICT-facilitated gender-based violence is key to realizing Gender equality amidst innovation and technology.
I thank all the development partners working with Church of Uganda in promoting gender justice. My special appreciation goes to DanChurch Aid led by the Country Director Mr. Anders Bastholm Hansen for joining Church of Uganda in this cook day and supporting the Interfaith Action for Gender and Economic Empowerment project in the East and Mid central region of Uganda.
This year’s theme for Church of Uganda is- “United for services and growth” Ephesians 4:11-16. Therefore, lets be united and be Christ like in looking at ourselves as one body as we strive to promote women advancement in the Digital technologies and advocate for mentorship of the boy child for a better future of the girls and women tomorrow.
Happy women’s day!
