This Article was first published by The Independent
This week, Ugandan schools reopened for the first time since March 2020 – the longest Covid-related school closure of any country in the world. While Ugandans breathe a sigh of relief at being able to return to some sense of normality, challenges remain. Principal among these is ensuring that our young people – and especially our young women – will return to their education, after nearly two years without it.
Such a lengthy closure might seem extreme, but so were the circumstances. By March 2021 – a full year into the worst global health crisis in living memory – less than 2 per cent of all Covid-19 vaccine doses administered globally had been given in Africa.
Limited vaccine supplies had been hoarded by wealthier countries, which were locked into bilateral agreements with the major pharmaceutical companies. African governments were forced into a delicate balancing act between safeguarding their economies and saving lives. We opted for “life and health ahead of wealth” – as we say in one of our local languages.
With lockdowns being the only public health tool at our disposal, we swiftly implemented some of the strictest restrictions in Africa, maintaining a death rate of well below the global average while aiming to vaccinate 20 per cent of Ugandans – representing a majority of the adult population – by the new year. With this goal reached, we are now reopening our economy – and with it our schools.
However, while countless lives were saved, nearly two years without school has taken its toll in other ways. Many young girls have had to take jobs to support their families, as people struggled with the economic impact of Covid. In some villages, sexual assault against teenage girls with no school to go to has rocketed, as has the rate of teenage pregnancies. Unicef’s representative in Uganda puts the number during the pandemic at around 300,000. Many of those who become pregnant are being pushed into marriage by their families. Getting these young women to return to school must be a national priority.
Across Africa, women are all too often left behind when it comes to education. I am proud that, in this respect, Uganda often stands apart. Our affirmative action policies, introduced in the 1990s, saw female enrolment at Uganda’s largest university, Makerere, more than double from just 23 per cent in 1989 to producing more female graduates than male for the second year in a row in 2021. In fact, the 51 universities across the country are now educating more women than men.
Other critical policies ensure that our women can continue from their education into leadership roles. It is government policy, for example, that every single one of Uganda’s 146 districts is represented by at least one female MP. The results of this are plain to see.
Women in Uganda today feature prominently in government in a way simply not seen across much of Africa – even putting many developed western countries to shame. Thirty-five per cent of our cabinet are women, including our prime minister, first deputy prime minister and vice-president.
In fact, we were the first African nation to appoint a female vice-president in 1995. The trails these women have blazed are inspiring the younger generations, too. When Proscovia Alengot Oromait was elected to parliament in 2012 at just 19 years old – when she was still a university student – she was the youngest politician elected not just in Uganda, but in all of Africa and the developed world.
Today, just as we sought to encourage women into university, the boardroom and parliament in the 1990s, we find ourselves again fighting for our girls to be brought into the classroom. It is important to approach this challenge from the right policy perspective.
Archaic guidelines that saw young pregnant women expelled from school have been revised: now they are actively encouraged to return to school, and are granted a year of maternity leave to ease the process. New guidelines require school administrators to keep in touch with those who become pregnant, to monitor their wellbeing and provide the necessary emotional, moral and spiritual support.
But more is needed. That schools have reopened isn’t enough – they must be reopened safely. Early identification, reporting and management of emerging Covid-19 cases will be key, as will support for the mental health of teachers and children, including the psychosocial training necessary to help them readjust to school life following the two-year lockdown. To support our efforts in this regard, we have gratefully accepted £1.9m from the governments of the UK and Ireland.
Now we call on local educators, parents and community leaders to join the fight to encourage our girls to return to school – especially those who are pregnant. While marriage might seem like a quick financial fix, it is far outweighed by the longer-term benefits of education. In the few short decades before the pandemic struck, we had already achieved so much for our women and girls. We will not abandon them now.
Janet Kataaha Museveni is the first lady of Uganda, the Ugandan minister of education, and a vocal campaigner for the empowerment of women and youth in Africa
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details.
Great information shared.. really enjoyed reading this post thank you author for sharing this post .. appreciated
We just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge all the hard work and effort you’ve been putting in lately. Keep up the amazing job, you’re doing great!
I just wanted to take a moment to say how much I appreciate your blog posts. They’re always well-written, informative, and keep me coming back for more. Keep up the great work!
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details.
This blog post is worth the read – trust us!
I do not even understand how I ended up here, but I assumed this publish used to be great
From start to finish, your content is simply amazing. You have a talent for making complex topics easy to understand and I always come away with valuable insights.
I very delighted to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for as well saved to fav
For the reason that the admin of this site is working, no uncertainty very quickly it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.
I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.
Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.
I really like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!
UFABET เป็นแพลตฟอร์มการเดิมพันออนไลน์ที่ใหญ่ที่สุดและได้รับความนิยมมากที่สุดในเอเชีย มันเป็นสถานที่ที่ผู้ที่หลงใหลในคาสิโนออนไลน์และการเดิมพันกีฬาต่างๆ ต้องมาพบกันอย่างแน่นอน!
I am truly thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this fantastic piece of writing at at this place.
I very delighted to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for as well saved to fav
เว็บแทงบอลที่ได้รับความนิยมสูงสุด
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details.
I do not even understand how I ended up here, but I assumed this publish used to be great
I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.
I am truly thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this fantastic piece of writing at at this place.
I very delighted to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for as well saved to fav
Good post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing
Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post
There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
I truly appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark site list and will
very informative articles or reviews at this time.
very informative articles or reviews at this time.
You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I have read a single thing like that before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!
Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post
There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites
very informative articles or reviews at this time.
I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.
Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post
I just like the helpful information you provide in your articles
You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I have read a single thing like that before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!
I very delighted to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for as well saved to fav
Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.
Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post
This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am really happy to read everthing at one place
For the reason that the admin of this site is working, no uncertainty very quickly it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.
I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.
Great information shared.. really enjoyed reading this post thank you author for sharing this post .. appreciated
I truly appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark site list and will
I just like the helpful information you provide in your articles
Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post
Good post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing
I just like the helpful information you provide in your articles
I just like the helpful information you provide in your articles
naturally like your web site however you need to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth on the other hand I will surely come again again.
Sup?I was truly amazed by your post, which not only had incredible content but also provided valuable insights. It has sparked my interest in delving deeper into this topic, as it aligns perfectly with my passion for learning. I highly value your expertise and unique perspective. Thank you for generously sharing your thoughts and taking the time to do so!Stay in touch. my web page.. Come by 카지노개발
Good dayYour blog post was a delight to read! Since stumbling upon your blog, I have been completely absorbed in your other articles. The captivating content you provide has left me eagerly craving for more. I have subscribed to your RSS feed and am eagerly looking forward to your future updates!Later, gator. my page. Come by 빅벳
Your post was truly impressive, not only for its incredible content but also for the valuable insights it provided. I am eager to explore this topic further as it resonates with my passion for learning. Your expertise and unique perspective are greatly appreciated. Thank you for sharing your thoughts generously and taking the time to do so!Until next time. my page Come by 토렌트 사이트 순위
Howdy-doYour blog post had me hooked from the start! Since stumbling upon your blog, I’ve been engrossed in your other articles. The captivating content you provide has left me yearning for more. I’ve subscribed to your RSS feed and am eagerly awaiting your future updates! my web page.. Come by 전주 핸플
I was deeply moved by your post, which ignited a strong desire in me to explore the topic further. I have great admiration for your profound insights and expertise, and I genuinely appreciate your unique perspective. Thank you for generously sharing your thoughts and taking the time to do so!Bye-bye. my page… Come by 재테크 종류