Empowering Tomorrow
Celebrating Resilience on International Women's Day
As International Women's Day 2025 approaches on March 8, the world prepares to celebrate under the theme "For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment". This year's celebration holds special significance as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark blueprint for advancing women's rights globally.
The theme "Accelerate Action" underscores the urgent need to address persistent gender inequalities and remove systemic barriers that hinder women's progress. Despite advancements, the World Economic Forum estimates that at the current rate,
full gender parity won't be achieved until 2158, highlighting the importance of swift and decisive action.
This year's celebration emphasizes the role of youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls, as catalysts for lasting change. It calls for empowering the next generation to drive forward the agenda for gender equality and women's rights.
Uganda
According to UNICEF 34% of girls in Uganda are married before their 18th birthday and this alarming statistics place Uganda among the countries with the highest rates of child marriage in the world.
The Uganda Democratic and Health Survey (UHDS) 2016 reported that 25% of girls aged 15-19 have begun child bearing meaning that 1 in 4 teenage girls in Uganda is either pregnant or has already given birth.In many Ugandan communities, having children is seen as a core expectation and marker of womanhood. Marriage and motherhood are often prioritized over education and personal development for women.However, the resilience and determination of women worldwide continue to inspire and drive progress towards a more equitable future.
Miriam' story
One example is the story of Miriam, a midwife whose journey reflects the sacrifices and triumphs of many Ugandan women
Born as the fifth child in a family of eight, she grew up witnessing her mother shoulder the immense responsibility of raising her children almost single-handedly. Despite limited resources, her mom worked tirelessly to ensure all her eight children had access to education, healthcare, and basic needs. Her unwavering dedication saw her sell part of their land and take loans to fund Miriam’s education at Kabale School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Her own life was also not without its challenges. After giving birth to her baby daughter, Miriam faced heartbreak when her partner abandoned her. Struggling with depression, she leaned on her family for support and entrusted her baby to her mother while she sought employment to provide for her child.
Through perseverance, she completed her midwifery certificate—a moment that fulfilled her mother’s dream of seeing her succeed.
Today, she works as a valued midwife at our Mother and Childcare Centre, a role that allows her to give back to society and support other women during critical moments in their lives. She runs the centre and is about to start her diploma program for Midwife.
Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of family support and the resilience of women in Uganda. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us honour women like Miriam and her mother who embody strength and hope for a brighter future.
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