A WOMAN, A STRONG NATION BY GRACIOUS KAREKYEZI – COMMEMORATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

About Karekyezi Gracious:

Gracious Karekyezi is a Girl Leader at the Generation Equality Multistakeholder Leadership Group. She is a 19-year-old Ugandan girl currently pursuing a certificate course in midwifery at the Kampala International Hospital. Gracious is also a beneficiary of AMPLIFY Girls’ partner - Girls to Lead Africa girls` agency programs and alumni of the AMPLIFY GIRLS Fellowship program.  

She participates in GTLA’s community development work in sensitizing the community on girls’ Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and menstrual hygiene. Gracious was also the Head Girl at her previous school, St. Theresa Girls School. Gracious also actively participated in the Global Town Hall Meetings leading up to CSW67.

The following is written in her words:

Just because women are strong does not mean they should live hard lives. International Women’s Day is a global holiday celebrated as a focal point in women’s rights bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence with abuse against women. This month, being a women’s history month and in commemoration of women’s day, we can work hand in hand to improve the lives of women facing challenges, especially the challenges that go unspoken.

Before some incredible organizations promoting gender equality rose up to advocate for girl child education, and equal rights for all, for a long time, women’s rights had been disregarded. The 20th and 21st centuries thankfully have seen an accelerated rise in women’s and girls’ empowerment and their involvement in global development and decision-making.

Despite the good changes, we still have a long way to go in ensuring the protection of women’s and girls’ rights. More work must be done to ensure zero tolerance against issues like child marriage and gender inequality. We need to advocate for strict regulations and policies around the protection of women’s rights!

Our world would be nothing without women. Their courage is the perfection of harmony. Together we can put a smile on a woman's face this women’s history month and every day. Tell them you love them and how special they are. Women are chosen and wanted.

We love you.

Karekyezi Gracious - Girls to lead Africa (GTLA), Uganda