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UCHD 2023
Posted on Categories Article, Featured

Embracing Women’s Health, Navigating Menopause in the Workplace

In Uganda, the pursuit of gender equality has seen significant strides in recent years through several initiatives aimed at empowering women in various aspects of life. Initiatives such as the Gender and Equity Certification Program and the National Gender Policy underscore the commitment to addressing gender disparities. However, it is noteworthy that there is a gap in policies explicitly targeting menopause as a workplace challenge.

It is thus essential to shed light on the often-overlooked journey of women in the workplace, especially as they navigate the unique challenges posed by menopause. Contrary to common belief, menopause isn’t exclusively an issue for older women, it can impact women below the age of 40 (pre-mature menopause), significantly affecting their professional and personal lives. This silent transition demands understanding, support, and an inclusive workplace environment to empower women during this critical phase. 

The Hidden Struggles: Menopause brings forth a myriad of challenges that can impact a woman’s physical and mental well-being, potentially influencing her overall job satisfaction and performance. Common symptoms include hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and cognitive changes. These challenges not only undermine a woman’s confidence but also disrupt concentration and impact her ability to handle stress effectively. 

The Working Woman’s Dilemma: The workplace, traditionally structured without considering the specific needs of women experiencing menopause, can inadvertently amplify these challenges. Despite the prevalence of menopause among women, it remains a topic often shrouded in silence and stigma. Many women feel hesitant to openly discuss their experiences, fearing judgment or discrimination in the workplace. This lack of awareness and support perpetuates a culture of silence, hindering women from seeking the help and accommodation they need. As women increasingly play multifaceted roles, balancing career aspirations with societal expectations, the impact of menopause on their professional lives becomes a pertinent aspect to consider.  

Efforts to promote gender equality should expand to encompass policies that address the specific needs of women navigating menopause in the workplace. Recognizing and accommodating the challenges posed by menopause aligns with the broader goal of creating an inclusive and supportive work environment where women can thrive across various life stages, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society. Incorporating menopause considerations into existing gender equality policies can further enhance the overall well-being and empowerment of women in Uganda. 

Special Message to Women: let us celebrate not just our achievements but also acknowledge the unique journey many of us navigate through menopause. It’s a phase that may bring physical and emotional changes, impacting both personal and professional spheres. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Embrace open communication, seek support, and prioritize self-care. Recognize your strength and resilience as you navigate these changes at the workplace. Advocate for your needs, and let’s work collectively to foster understanding, empathy, and positive change. You are valued, empowered, and deserving of a workplace where your well-being is prioritized.  

Examples of Workplace Neglect 

Temperature Control and Comfort: Many workplaces are not designed with consideration for temperature control, comfortable seating, or adequate lighting. This oversight exacerbates symptoms like hot flashes and fatigue. It is important that employers invest in creating a comfortable and supportive workplace environment. This includes adjustable temperature controls, ergonomic seating, and adequate lighting to accommodate women experiencing symptoms like hot flashes and fatigue. 

Flexible Work Arrangements: Some employers fail to provide flexible work hours or remote work options, making it challenging for women to accommodate varying energy levels and the need for extra rest during challenging times. Employers are encouraged to introduce flexible work hours or remote work options to allow women to manage their workloads effectively while dealing with fluctuating energy levels. 

Limited Education and Awareness about menopause: Many workplaces lack educational programs about menopause. This absence of understanding among colleagues and supervisors contributes to a lack of empathy and support for women experiencing these challenges. Workplaces may consider prioritizing implementing educational programs about menopause. This not only raises awareness but also fosters understanding among colleagues and supervisors, encouraging empathy and support. 

Limited Wellness Programs: Some workplaces lack comprehensive wellness initiatives addressing the physical and mental well-being of women going through menopause. This includes insufficient access to counseling, support groups, and fitness programs. Companies should incorporate comprehensive wellness initiatives addressing the physical and mental well-being of women experiencing menopause. This includes providing access to counseling, support groups, and fitness programs. 

Communication Barriers: In workplaces where open conversations about menopause are discouraged or not facilitated, women may feel isolated and unable to express their needs and concerns without fear of judgment. Encouraging open conversations about menopause is crucial. Creating a platform for women to express their needs and concerns without fear of judgment fosters a supportive and inclusive workplace culture. 

Creating a supportive environment for women experiencing menopause is not just an empathetic gesture; it is a workplace necessity. Advocacy for policy changes and the implementation of supportive measures is crucial to ensure that women can navigate this phase without compromising their professional growth. 

Together, let’s embrace women’s health and create a workplace where every woman feels valued, understood, and empowered to succeed.  

With solidarity,

Compiled by Nakalembe Judith Suzan, Community Empowerment Programme, CEHURD. 

 

Posted on Categories Article, Featured, General News

Healing Words: Expressing the Inexpressible Pain of Cancer Loss

By Sarah Akampurira

As we commemorate World Cancer Day 2024, my heart is burdened as I reflect on the loss of a dear one to cancer last year. I implore the government, private sector, and individuals to prioritize the creation of a supportive environment that ensures equitable access to treatment, information, and dignified care for all. The days of perceiving cancer as a distant concern are behind us; it now lives with us, impacting the very fabric of families and our social networks.

In recent times, cases of cancer have increasingly become common regardless of age, sex or any other demographics. In November 2015, Uganda rolled out free Human Papilloma Virus (PHV) vaccination for adolescent girls 10–14 years in its’ immunization schedule across all districts as a primary preventive measure for cervical cancer. Unfortunately, the uptake of HPV vaccination has been low across Uganda which may be due to limited knowledge and unverified information that spreads like wildfire on various media platforms causing fear and resentment among the users. As parents, let us embrace the HPV vaccination programme to ensure that our daughters aged 9 to 14 years are fully vaccinated before becoming sexually active to reduce their chances of getting Cervical cancer.

The 2024 World Cancer Day theme “Together, we challenge those in power” is a call to action for everyone stretching from Global leaders to double our efforts and deliberately work towards investment in cancer prevention and care to prevent early avoidable deaths due to loss of hope, and frustration related to cancer treatment. It is our responsibility to live healthy lives, exercise, eat right, and undergo routine medical check-ups to minimize the chances of cancer and once one is diagnosed, they should be facilitated to enroll in care for proper management.

The pain of seeing your loved one who has always been in charge of everything and everyone around her live in a situation of dependency for years, miss church sessions, work and always weak calls for support beyond the medical needs. When a parent is battling with cancer, family roles change, the other partner and children have to pick up those duties. The children start to act like adults and this becomes overwhelming at times balancing school, friends as well as taking on caregiver roles.

Witnessing a loved one, who has always been a pillar of strength, succumb to a prolonged state of dependency due to cancer is a distressing experience. Beyond the obvious medical requirements, there emerges a call for support that extends to the emotional and practical aspects of life. During the cancer battle, family dynamics undergo a profound shift, necessitating the redistribution of responsibilities among the partner and children. The children, forced into premature roles as caregivers, find themselves grappling with the challenge of juggling academic pursuits, social lives, and the weight of newfound responsibilities. The burden becomes overwhelming, highlighting the multifaceted impact of cancer on the intricate balance of family life. Psycho-social support remains a critical component in cancer care and management that should not only be limited to already identified clients but also the family members who in most cases shoulder the burden of care and support, live in a state of despair engulfed with fears of losing a loved one to the deadly cancer.

“Every single person has the ability to make a difference in the fight against cancer. Together, we challenge those in power to prioritise cancer management and neutralisation and ensure equitable access to cancer care for all.”

Under the leadership of the Ministry of Health- Uganda, deliberate efforts should be invested in creating awareness, through various channels not forgetting media platforms right from the local communities to facilitate behavior change. It’s no longer business as usual. Let us normalize talking about cancer in its entirety during health education talks like any other disease this helps to minimize the fears and also helps the patients to open up and embrace help from friends, health professionals, counselors, and family members even though it may not be easy.

The writer is a Programme Coordinator for Community Empowerment at the Center for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD).

 

Posted on Categories Article, Featured, General News

Beyond Rhetoric: Let Us Address the Root Causes of Gender-Based Violence in Uganda

By Grace Awilli

In a parliamentary plenary session on November 23, 2022, the Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development passionately addressed the floor, commemorating the 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Despite the minister’s optimistic portrayal of government actions against GBV, the stark reality, as revealed by the National Survey on Violence Against Women (2021) and the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report for 2021, painted a distressing picture. An alarming 95% of respondents reported experiencing physical or sexual violence, and 16,242 cases of GBV were reported in the same year.

This fragility in GBV prevention and response efforts, showed an escalation in cases, particularly of teenage pregnancies and child marriages.

During parliamentary debates, Members of Parliament demonstrate fervent commitment by passionately voicing their concerns and the pressing need for the passage of pivotal bills, such as the Sexual Offences Bill, emphasizing their profound potential to address the pervasive issue of gender-based violence (GBV). The recognition of the bills’ significance in the fight against GBV reflects a collective acknowledgment of the legislative tools required to combat this societal challenge.

The importance of awareness creation regarding GBV emerges as a recurring theme, resonating with various stakeholders. Their collective emphasis underscores a shared understanding of the role education and advocacy play in fostering a culture of intolerance towards GBV. This recognition suggests a united front in promoting societal consciousness as an integral component of a comprehensive strategy to eradicate gender-based violence.

While the Ministry of Gender has championed laws such as the Domestic Violence Act and male engagement strategies, implementation remains a significant hurdle. The legal and policy framework aligns with international standards, but the non-implementation of these laws, policies, and strategies is the primary challenge. Government institutions tasked with GBV prevention lack resources, hindering their effectiveness.

The Child and Family Protection Unit of the Uganda Police Force, for instance, operates without a dedicated budget line, relying on district police leadership and partners for support. At the local government level, the under funding of the community services department, responsible for GBV data collection and non-state actor coordination, further impedes progress.

Critical to the resolution of the GBV challenge is a gender-sensitive justice system, essential for victim protection and holding abusers accountable. Unfortunately, Government institutions that are at the forefront of GBV prevention and response are constrained by limited resources and as a result, GBV prevention and response has substantially been left to Non-Governmental Organisations, which poses significant dangers.

It is crucial for the government to allocate adequate financial resources to ensure the effective implementation of existing legal and policy frameworks. As evidenced by the ownership and management of GBV shelters predominantly by civil society organizations, NGOs play a vital role in providing comprehensive care and support to victims.

Measures such as promotion of a gender-sensitive justice system, coupled with the passage of Witness Protection and Legal Aid laws, will protect vulnerable survivors during trials and ensure access to free legal support. The Parliament, in its legislative and appropriation function, can be the driving force behind these changes, ultimately improving GBV prevention and response in Uganda.

Concerted efforts to address the root causes of gender-based violence for a safer and more equitable society will go a long way in addressing GBV in our communities.

The writer is a lawyer at the Center for Health, Human Rights, and Development.

Posted on Categories Article, Featured

A Silent Cry of the Majority

By Clifton Irahuka – Health Service Provider

In Uganda’s heart, where cultures intertwine,

A tale of resilience, against a patriarchal design.

Gender-based violence, a shadow so deep,

Infringing on rights, where women should sleep.

From child marriages at 34%, where innocence fades, 

To teenage pregnancies at 25%, where hope evades.

Female Genital Mutilation at 0.3%, a scar on the soul,

Robbing women of choice, taking away their control.

Physical violence at 56%, a silent, hidden cry,

Shattered dreams, where hope should lie.

Intimidation, threats, and fear’s embrace,

Silence imposed, leaving no trace.

Sexual violence at 27%, a violation so deep,

Leaving scars unseen, where secrets they keep.

Victims stigmatized, their voices unheard,

In a society where silence is preferred.

Yet amidst the darkness, a flicker of light,

Women united, their spirits ignite.

Fighting for justice, their voices so strong,

Demanding safety and choice, where they belong.

Sexual and reproductive health advocacy, a beacon, a guiding star,

Empowering women, reaching afar.

Access to knowledge, their choices to make,

Their bodies, their lives, for their own sake.

 

Education and research, a shield, a weapon so keen,

Dispelling the myths, the harmful traditions unseen.

Empowering girls, their voices to rise,

Challenging norms, beneath open skies.

 

Laws and policies, a framework to stand,

Protecting women, across the Pearl.

Enforcement and justice, a hand in hand,

Eradicating violence, taking a stand.

Community engagement, a bridge to unite,

Breaking the silence, shedding the light.

Changing values and attitudes, transforming the norm,

Creating a society where women are warm.

In Uganda’s journey, a path to unfold,

Where gender-based violence no longer holds.

SRH empowered, where women can thrive,

In a world where equality and equity truly survives.

 

The writer is a Midwife and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Advocate.

Posted on Categories Article, Featured

Let us join forces to eliminate violence against women and girls in Uganda

By Namakula Ritah

Globally, violence against women and girls specifically intimate partner violence and sexual violence remains a major public and clinical health problem and a violation of women’s human rights which is rooted in and perpetuates gender inequalities. The higher prevalence of violence against women and girls occurs most in low developed  countries such as Uganda. Worldwide, 1 in 3 women experience physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime, mostly by an intimate partner or someone close to them. In 2021, nearly 1 in 5 women aged 20-24 years were married before turning 18 years. Also, more than 5 women or girls are killed every hour by someone in their family. All this is a stark reminder of the scale of gender inequality and discrimination against women and girls.

In Uganda, there is a concerning normalization of harmful behaviors within intimate relationships, such as women enduring physical abuse and engaging in non-consensual acts under the guise of expressing love. Worse still, it’s almost a taboo for any woman to come up and say they were raped. This leaves many Ugandan women and girls suffering in silence. The Uganda 2016 Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) found that 58.4% of married women reported ever having experienced emotional, physical, or sexual violence from a spouse, and 39.6% had experienced it within the past year. These findings are not any far different from the 2022 UDHS findings about violence against women and girls. 

According to the United Nations, violence against women and girls is defined as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.” In-order to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls around the world, there is a UNITE to End Violence against Women initiative which occurs annually. This initiative was created to support the civil society led campaign around the world. The global theme of this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, which runs from 25 November to 10 December 2023, lets “Unite! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls”.

In Uganda, various organizations are contributing to this campaign differently through among others engagement of media on issues of violence against women and girls, supporting the GBV survivors, advocating for SRHR movements, community sensitization and more. The question I pause to ask you is “How are you contributing to this year’s global theme of; Unite! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls?” 

I suggest adopting a collaborative multisectoral strategy to effectively eradicate violence against women and girls.

The author is a Registered Midwife and BSc trained midwife working with Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital, Kampala

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