By Evaline Alum
The 2022 Women’s Day concert brought together Ugandan female artists, leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates, and university students to celebrate ‘Gender Equality’ through edutainment.
The full-day March 8 event, organized by Reach a Hand Uganda (RAHU) to pass on Sexual Reproductive Health information to the young people, was held at International University of East Africa (IUEA).
A number of students from IUEA, Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Gulu University, and KIU among others, turned up for the day’s blast.
Ugandan female entrepreneurs, leaders, and advocates took the morning session’s stage for an educational and empowering panel discussion. Prima Kardashi (entrepreneur), Martha Mukisa (artist), Manuela Mulondo (advocate), Fatuma Asha (Fashionista), Phiona Nyamutoro (Youth MP), RAHU’s peer educator, Doreen Gatubingi, and the New York unisex Salon Uganda team were among the panelists.
Phiona Nyamutoro, a National Youth Member of Parliament, echoed the importance of gender equality in the society during her speech.
“Women’s empowerment is the only way to achieve gender equality; empowerment is a process that we must prepare for by anticipating all of the challenges that life will throw our way.” Ms. Phiona said.
Meanwhile, RAHU’s partner and sponsor, DKT International, saw the event as an opportunity to launch the #LovemyLevo campaign, which aims to raise awareness about gender inequality and inspire dignity. They also unveiled “Levoplant”, a new birth control method similar to an implant.
The guest speaker of the day was Ruth Van Zorge, First Secretary (SRHR) & Gender, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. She urged the private sector to ensure the availability of contraceptives in the markets.
“All stakeholders have a significant role to play in ensuring that contraceptives are readily available in order to accomplish sustainable development goals,” she said.
Other educational activities and offers at the concert included a free face beat by Fabiola Beauty, a free art painting session by Paint and Sip Uganda, free birth control packages (Condoms and Levoplant), gift hampers by Movit Uganda, and cultural dance performances by Athena dance group.
Being women’s day celebration, the evening was climaxed by thrilling performances from top female Ugandan artists; Fille, Nava Grey, Sandra Suubi, Jowy Landa, and Karole Kasita, who left university students on the dance floor wanting more.
Gulu University students went home as the best dancers of the night after a cut-throat battle with the host, IUEA – in the final round of the inter-university dance battle. It should be noted that Makerere University dancers didn’t not go home empty handed, their best female dancer was recognized and awarded by Karole Kasita.