With the increase in the number of women ministers coupled with the appointment of a woman to the office of Speaker and another as the chief executive officer for the city, the gender debate is back.
Apart from clean elections, respect for human rights and strict adherence to the rule of law; gender equality is another benchmark for good governance.
The NRM introduced affirmative action in favour of women decades ago, but some have argued it was intended to mobilise support and later votes for the regime.
Nevertheless, the increasing number of women accessing high profile jobs previously the preserve of men and those entering politics is a good thing that deserves credit. Defeating men in elections absolves the affirmative action policy and throws a challenge to parents to educate the girl-child.
Education serves as a vital driver of women participation in politics and in strategies for ensuring the economic stability of the family.
Research findings link women’s education to employment and empowerment. Findings indicate that women’s independent income and the level of education are directly correlated with better nutritional intake for the family. But women should not get contented with playing second fiddle, but should aim higher as Beti Kamya did when she joined the presidential contest. In terms of total votes obtained she defeated three men. The Speaker and her powerful colleagues should take the cue from the US, which decades ago initiated the Women’s Education Fund with the message ‘pipeline to the presidency’, they too should lobby State House to do likewise.
The American fund is dedicated to enhancing public perceptions of women’s leadership ability and fostering the entry of more women into competition for positions of top leadership in the US.
Ugandan women should draw up plans for recruiting young women and motivate them to seek high office through mentorship by veteran politicians.
The writer is the director of the School of Diplomacy, Governance and International Studies at Uganda Martyrs University