UN Women is an international organization that focuses on ending violence against women and girls (VAWG) and creating Gender Equality & Women Empowerment. It collaborates with several local & international organizations and private & government sectors to increase its reach and influence. It launched its third Strategic Plan to support Uganda’s Gender Equality and Women Empowerment.
The 2022-2025 plan aims to raise awareness, engage government & private sectors, and attract new donors & partners. Uganda’s National Development Plan III (NPD III) lists six target outcomes to accomplish in 4 years. These plans are:
o Inclusive and Accountable Governance and Women’s Access to Justice
o Women’s Rights, Gender Responsive Peace and Security
o Women have increased productivity, income, and access to resources
o Vulnerable women have the capacity to mitigate and adapt to Climate Change & Disaster Reductions
o Women & Girls Enjoy Quality Basic Social and Protection Services
o Gender Equality and Women Rights Fulfilled in a Culturally Responsive Environment
The plan aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework Guidance (UNSDCF), a planning and implementation instrument for the UN’s country-level development activities that helps execute the Sustainable Development 2030 Agenda. Uganda has been working on increasing women’s engagement in key government positions and education. It currently has 46% female representation in its Cabinet and 34% in parliament.
The government organizes programs such as the youth livelihood program and parish development model to promote women empowerment and address gender inequality. Uganda has assistance with financial support and partnership for its agenda from a few developmental partners, including the Government of Sweden, Government of Norway, Government of Austria, and European Union. Women empowerment is a key flagship area for the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The UN will continue to work on it until gender-based violence has been eradicated globally.
