Uganda fails to achieve MDGs concerning women affairs

By Esther Namirimu

The Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 3 indicators track key elements of women's social, economic and political participation and guide the building of gender-equitable societies.

However, according to a public dialogue on MDGs and Post 2015 Agenda held between the School of Women and Gender Studies and women activist from Isis-WICCE at Makerere University, women are still facing a number of challenges.

 “The MDG 3 was meant to promote gender equality and empowerment but Ugandan women in positions of power do not have the power,” said Hon. Miria Matembe.

Matembe added that there is still a huge problem in the field of maternal health since an average of 16 mothers die every day in child bearing.

She also noted that women continue to face several challenges like poverty and violence.

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Dean of  School of Women and Gender Studies, Dr. Consolata Kabonesa(R) chatting with Hon. Miria Matembe after the Public Dialogue on MDGs and Post 2015 Agenda organised by Isis-WICCE at School of Women and Gender Studies, Makerere University. Photo by Esther Namirimu

“Does having a female Minister of Finance mean money in women’s pockets? She wondered
Dr. Margaret Kakande from the Ministry of Finance said that women have experienced some poverty reduction but to a less extent compared to men.

There is an increased gap between the rich and the poor and continued marginalization of women.
“With the widening inequality, the women are concentrated in the lower quintiles of poor,” added Kakande.

She also noted that Target 2.A was to ensure that, by 2015, children everywhere, boys and girls alike, will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling however fewer girls are completing primary school because of school dropout due to early marriages and unwanted pregnancies.

“Even though the government awards the 1.5 points to girls to join government universities, most girls study arts and the government is favoring sciences subjects,” she added.

Kakande also noted that maternal mortality rate had dropped in 2006 but it has risen again and only 30% of women are using contraceptives. A Ugandan woman has six children on average making it difficult for service delivery.

 Communications Consultant for Isis Women's International Cross Cultural Exchange (Isis- WICCE), Archie Luyimbazi said that the Post 2015 Agenda aims at empowering girls and women, end poverty and ensure health lives among other things.