THEME: GENERATION EQUALITY
HOSTS/ORGANIZERS – SCHOOL OF WOMEN AND GENDER STUDIES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE EMBASSY OF SWEDEN IN UGANDA
PREAMBLE
The School of Women and Gender Studies in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden in Uganda has organized a Gender Identity Week ahead of the 2020 International Women’s Day to celebrate achievements in the area of women and gender studies. The Gender Identity Week aims at facilitating dialogue among University staff, students, development partners, practitioners, the media and other stakeholders on topical issues related to gender and development. Presentations and dialogues are aligned to the theme of the International Women’s Day celebrations; “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights”. Past discussions have focused to topics such as positive femininities and masculinities, social-economic transformation, gender and the commoditization of the female body, empowering cultural aspects of Ugandan/African gender relations, University’s role in promoting gender and equity in society and the women’s journey (2000-2017) –achievements, opportunities and challenges.
TOPICS AND SUB-THEMES FOR THE 2020 GENDER IDENTITY WEEK DISCUSSIONS
DAY ONE – MONDAY, 2ND MARCH 2020
TOPIC – “Different Shades of Empowerment in Uganda: The role of Traditional Ugandan Femininities in Empowering Women” – Empowering Women through a cultural approach; and Empowering Women from a Religions perspective. The discussions were presided over by the Namasole of Buganda (Kabaka’s mother) who also officially launched the Gender Identity Week. Empowering Women through a cultural approach - Presenters included Ms. Elizabeth Lwanga from the Nabagereka Foundation and Ms. Joanita Kawalya, Musician. Empowering Women from a Religions perspective – Presenters included Mrs. Tugulwa from the Moslem Women’s League, Mrs. Sseggujja from the Catholic Women’s League, Mrs. Despina Jane Namwembe from the Orthodox Women’s League and Ms. Beatrice Nakizito – Seventh Day Adventist.
DAY TWO – TUESDAY, 3RD MARCH 2020, VENUE – AUDITORIUM, COBAMS
TOPIC - Women in Leadership in Higher Institutions of Learning – The topic will focus on women in leadership globally and at national level specifically at Makerere University. Deliberations will focus on strategies to increase women in leadership. Presentations – Keynote on Women and Leadership in Institutions of Higher Learning by Prof. Rhoda Wanyenzi, School of Public Health; Advancing Gender Equity in Uganda: the work of INASP and Partners by Dr Femi Nzengwa from INASP, UK; Women in Higher Education in Uganda by Ms. Angela Nakafero, Commissioner Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development; Women in Leadership at Makerere -Dr Sarah Ssali, Dean School of Women and Gender Studies and Mr. Eric Tumwesigye, Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming at Makerere University; Women Leaders in University Students’ Leadership – Ms. Judith Nalukwago, Deputy Guild President, Makerere University. Screening of “We’ve Got to Have It” a Documentary of Gender Studies in Uganda and an exhibition
DAY THREE – WEDNESDAY, 4TH MARCH 2020, VENUE – AUDITORIUM, COBAMS
TOPIC - Strategies of Ending Sexual Harassment in Institutions of Higher Learning
Presentations – Body Politics by Prof. Ann Oberhauser; Strategies of Ending Sexual Harassment in Institutions of Higher Learning by Prof Grace Bantebya, School of Women and Gender Studies; Strategies for Ending Sexual Harassment at Makerere University by Dr Euzobia Baine, Acting Director, Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming, Makerere University and Tumuhaise Phiona and Frank Ssejengo, both students of Makerere University; Strategies for Ending Sexual Harassment – Technology by Sandra Kwikiriza, Founder of Her Internet and Elizabeth Kemigisha, Advocacy Officer
DAY FOUR – THURSDAY, 5TH MARCH 2020, VENUE – AUDITORIUM, COBAMS
SUB-THEME– Students’ Experiences of University Environment: Femininities and Masculinities. Moderator – Prof. Ann Oberhauser
DAY FIVE – FRIDAY, 6TH MARCH 2020, VENUE –AUDITORIUM, FOOD SCIENCE
SUB-THEME – Gender Spaces
Presentations - Feminist Spaces: Gender in Geography in a Global Context by Prof. Ann Oberhauser. Moderator – Dr Florence Muhanguzi
Visual Arts – Performing Gender by the Head Department of Performing Arts and Film
DAY SIX – SATURDAY, 7TH MARCH 2020, VENUE – MAIN LIBRARY
SUB-THEME: “WIKI Loves Women” – Writing Ugandan Women
COORDINATORS OF THE ACTIVITIES - Dr Consolata Kabonesa and Dr Sarah Ssali as well as representatives from the Embassy of Sweden