- Posted In :
- 0 : comment
As we celebrate International Women’s Day in 2023, ACODEV would like to share with you some exciting developments in Uganda through the voice project that is empowering women and giving them a voice in the democratic process.
Over the past few years, the use of digital technology has exploded, revolutionizing the way we communicate and connect with each other. Social media, mobile phones, and other digital tools have given women a powerful platform to amplify their voices and demand accountability from their leaders.
Mwesigye Charles Project officer – SYID VOICE Project from ACODEV noted that during one of the project monitoring visits in Fortportal, Women from the Bukwali sub-county gave feedback that “they can now access information regarding their rights from their phones and are able to use it to hold their leaders accountable”
To note, strengthening Youth Involvement in the Democratization Process (SYID) initiative led by ACODEV, with support from VOICE has been particularly impactful when it comes to women utilizing digital spaces. The project has been empowering marginalized groups such as people living with HIV/AIDS, commercial sex workers, women facing gender-based violence, and women living with disabilities to share their stories and advocate for their rights using digital media.
Through radio talk shows, Twitter spaces, and other online platforms, these women have been able to speak out about the issues that affect them and demand action from those in power. Their voices have been heard, and their activism has spurred real change in their communities.
Hon: Tusiime Florence- the Deputy Speaker Fort portal tourism city had this to say, “The radio talk shows have provided me with a constructive environment to be able to track the physical and emotional thoughts of women for example in my constituency where I represent, I have been able to rise the voices of the voiceless to the concerned authorities for them to get justice and all this has been mostly picked from the radio talk shows, social media and led to the identification of some of these victims.
However, as exciting as these developments are, we must also acknowledge the challenges that women face in accessing digital technology. In many rural and peri-urban areas, the cost of technological devices and subscriptions is simply too high for low-income populations. And even for those who can afford it, sociocultural barriers often prevent women from fully participating in the digital sphere.
That’s why it’s so important that we continue to work to break down these barriers and empower women to fully participate in the democratic process. Whether it’s through education, training, or simply making digital technology more affordable and accessible, we must do everything we can to ensure that women have the tools they need to make their voices heard.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day in 2023, let us remember the incredible progress that has been made, and let us also recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of empowering women and building a more just and equitable world.