Demand For Your Rights From Employers, Women Told

Irene Birungi Mugisha, the director of communications at Federation of Uganda Employers.

EMPLOYED women have been advised to continue advocating for their rights at their work places. Sarah Nakibuuka, chairperson of International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) Uganda Chapter said some employers still refer to women as weaker and sex objects. She added that sometimes women are looked at as incompetent hence denying them the necessary promotions and opportunities at work. She made the remarks during a gender main streaming workshop for women journalists on Tuesday as part of the activities to mark 16 days of activism against gender based violence at Grand Global Hotel in Kampala. "We aim at ensuring that women enjoy their rights to speak out, enjoy the same salary like men following as mandated by the United Nations Charter, which reaffirms the equal rights of men and women.

So IAWRT has joined in the struggle to ensure that women too enjoy their work," said Nakibuuka. Irene Birungi Mugisha of the Federation of Uganda Employers said for women's rights to be upheld, situations under which gender based violence manifests should be first examined for appropriate action. "The trends and ages have changed. People must draw a line and also know their limits. As women, let us not be aggressive but rather assertive while demanding for our rights by following the right channels," said Mugisha.

She also called on parents to nurture their children so that they can have self-esteem such that when they are of age, they are able to demand for their rights. “Be presentable. Presentation starts with an individual. Do not make presentations that make others show interest in you like provocative dressing," Mugisha added.

Richard Makumbi, program officer for Center for Domestic Violence Prevention (CEDOVIP) said women should be offered the necessary support when faced with domestic violence. "Many are left at cross roads like they have no one to trust, if they trust you, it becomes easier for her to open up to you. Sharing a problem soothes a person's pain and reduces incidences of death arising from violence," Makumbi said.
However, Makumbi was quick to note that women tend to become violent towards men due to revenge, resentment and disappointment adding that such women should be supported by employers to adjust in such situations.

 The Uganda Demographic Health Survey (UDHS) of 2011, 56% of women aged 15-49 experience physical violence while 28% experience sexual violence annually. The 2013 police crime report indicates 3426 domestic violence cases were reported, out of these, 360 were domestic violence related deaths, 9598 cases of defilement and 35411 as child neglect. He added: "It is everyone's responsibility to fight and stand up for your rights as well as those of others. This is the only way to fight problems faced by women at work." IAWRT is an international body comprised of professional media women working for Gender Equality in a fair treatment of women in the media.