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Women activists in Uganda have voiced significant concerns regarding the lack of media coverage on gender-sensitive issues and women’s issues across the country. During the launch of Women’s Month at Hotel Africana, led by Margret Sentamu, Executive Director of the Uganda Media Women’s Association (UMWA), the activists emphasized the importance of media in advancing gender equality and empowering women through their reporting.
Sentamu highlighted the global recognition of March as Women’s Month, dedicated to shedding light on the often overlooked needs and contributions of women while celebrating their achievements in various spheres. She emphasized the urgency of increasing the visibility of women in decision-making processes to drive social change, aligning with the theme of International Women’s Day: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.”
As Uganda prepares to commemorate International Women’s Day, Sentamu stressed that the occasion should extend beyond acknowledging prominent women but should also serve as a time for reflection and action to address issues affecting women and enhance media coverage of their concerns.
Despite women constituting 51% of Uganda’s population, they continue to face marginalization in various aspects, including access to resources, economic opportunities, and social safety nets. Sentamu cited a 2023 media monitoring report revealing alarming statistics, with women representing only 25% of news sources and subjects across different media platforms.
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Dick Nvule Nsubuga, an editor at Radio Simba FM, expressed challenges in ensuring greater representation of women in news bulletins or talk shows, citing reluctance from some women to participate. He emphasized the importance of merit-based news reporting and urged women to contribute meaningfully to media narratives to avoid perpetuating stereotypes.
Brenda Namata, Communications and Advocacy Officer at UMWA, underscored the importance of mainstream media in shaping perceptions of gender issues, calling for targeted media programs and improved understanding of gender dynamics among journalists to prevent misrepresentation.
Charity Ahimbisibwe, a senior member of UMWA, highlighted obstacles faced by women seeking media exposure, including resistance from spouses. She emphasized the readiness of some women to fight for their media space despite challenges.
Sylvia Nankya, Chief Editor at Uganda Radio Network (URN), acknowledged concerns about women’s representation in the media and emphasized the importance of deliberate efforts to include diverse voices in news coverage.
Patricia Munabi, Executive Director of the Forum for Women in Democracy, emphasized gender equality as a fundamental human right and called for increased funding for institutions addressing gender imbalances, such as the Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development.
Fredrick Kawooya, Senior Program Advisor at the Royal Danish Embassy Uganda, advocated for integrating gender-based studies into higher education curricula to foster a better understanding of gender issues among future journalists and media professionals.
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