On October 3rd, 2024, Women Leadership Development (WLEDE), , actively participated in the Afrobarometer data release event at Hotel Africana, Kampala. The event, themed “Social Norms to Blame? Exploring Grey Areas in Safeguarding Women and Child Rights in Uganda,” focused on the significant impact of cultural and social norms on women and children’s rights and explored actionable strategies to push for positive change.

Challenging Barriers with Collective Action

The Afrobarometer findings from Round 10 revealed the glaring challenges in safeguarding women and children, often perpetuated by deeply ingrained social norms. These norms continue to justify practices such as child marriage, domestic violence, and child neglect, undermining efforts to ensure the safety and rights of vulnerable groups.

WLEDE was among the key actors advocating for change, joining forces with stakeholders, policymakers, and civil society organizations to collectively address these barriers. The event featured expert discussions, highlighting the importance of involving community leaders and integrating community-driven solutions to shift harmful perceptions. The role of traditional and religious leaders was seen as critical, as their influence could help reshape community attitudes and break the cycle of discrimination.

WLEDE’s Role in Pushing the Agenda Forward

Mutebi Allan, representing WLEDE, was an active voice during the discussions, underscoring the organization’s experience in engaging communities to foster gender equity. She highlighted successful interventions by WLEDE in working with community champions—men and women—to address harmful stereotypes and drive change from the grassroots level. WLEDE’s contributions to the discussion showcased the importance of collective, community-driven action to create sustainable shifts in social norms.

WLEDE also emphasized the need to include men and boys as allies in the fight for gender equality, advocating for initiatives that educate young men and foster supportive environments. This approach aims to ensure men are part of the solution, challenging harmful attitudes and promoting respect for women and children’s rights.

Paving the Way for Sustainable Impact

The Afrobarometer data release event was a crucial platform for pushing forward an agenda of safeguarding women and children through a collaborative approach. WLEDE, alongside other actors, is committed to integrating the insights gathered during the event into its ongoing programs. By building strong partnerships with community leaders, civil society organizations, and policymakers, WLEDE aims to strengthen advocacy efforts that tackle harmful social norms and support the protection of vulnerable groups.

The event resulted in several tangible outcomes, including strengthened advocacy efforts, policy recommendations to involve community leadership in decision-making, strategies for economic empowerment of women, and calls for greater accountability in law enforcement. WLEDE is committed to building on these outcomes, ensuring that its community-led interventions are effective in addressing the root causes of inequality and providing a safer environment for women and children.

Conclusion

WLEDE’s participation in the Afrobarometer data release event underscores its role as a key player in the movement to safeguard women’s and children’s rights in Uganda. Together with other stakeholders, WLEDE is pushing forward an agenda that challenges harmful social norms, advocates for gender equality, and ensures that communities are at the forefront of change. The organization remains committed to driving this agenda, working collaboratively to achieve lasting, transformative change for all women and children across Uganda.