Commemoration of district women’s day

In celebration of Women’s Day and Women’s Month, Uganda Women’s Network marked the District Women’s Day on March 18, 2025, with a community dialogue held at Namutumba health Centre III. The event, under the theme “Accelerate Action”, brought together health workers, district stakeholders, and expecting mothers to advocate for improved women’s health services and reproductive rights. In a heartfelt address, Enrolled Midwife Ms. Mutesi welcomed all attendees on behalf of the health facility. She expressed deep appreciation for the strong turnout of expecting mothers, emphasizing that all services provided at the health center were free of charge. Her passionate message reinforced the health center’s commitment to prioritizing the well-being of the community and ensuring that mothers receive the care they deserve. This event not only highlighted the importance of women’s health but also reinforced the collective responsibility to create an environment where women can thrive and access the healthcare they need.

In a heartfelt address, Enrolled Midwife Ms. Mutesi welcomed all attendees on behalf of the health facility. She expressed deep appreciation for the strong turnout of expecting mothers, emphasizing that all services provided at the health center were free of charge. Her passionate message reinforced the health center’s commitment to prioritizing the well-being of the community and ensuring that mothers receive the care they deserve. This event not only highlighted the importance of women’s health but also reinforced the collective responsibility to create an environment where women can thrive and access the healthcare they need.

In-charge maternity wing (Namugaya Esther) paused to ask the expecting mothers why they come for antenatal services and cautioned those who are not consistent in attending, emphasizing that these visits are crucial for the unborn baby’s healthy development. She urged women to give their children a chance to live a healthy life through immunization, highlighting the protection against 13 immunizable diseases, and reminded them that the health center offers these services for free. Esther also acknowledged past issues with the attitude of some health workers toward expecting mothers but assured that improvements have been madepromising a better approach from the current maternity team and reinforced the importance of the professional code of conduct.

Phyllis Achwa, the officer in charge of ART, encouraged mothers to undergo HIV testing to determine their status. She emphasized that the virus can be transmitted in several ways, including from mother to child, through unprotected sex, and by sharing sharp objects.

OC CFPU IP Sarah Bayiga urged mothers to speak out against domestic violence, emphasizing that silence can have harmful consequences that affect the well-being of the entire family. Addressing the issue of physical abuse, she called on men to speak out against violence toward pregnant women, highlighting the potential risks such abuse poses to unborn children. She also reminded women of the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with their roles at home, noting that neglecting children and partners can result in poorly raised children and strained relationships, including unfaithful spouses.

The event was a significant milestone in advancing maternal health and strengthening partnerships between stakeholders, health workers, and expectant mothers in Namutumba. It not only provided a platform for sharing critical information and on-spot healthcare services but also amplified the voices of women, shedding light on persistent gaps in service delivery and awareness. Through collective engagement, meaningful insights were gathered that will inform future planning and interventions. While challenges such as inadequate health staffing and limited awareness remain, the commitments made especially by district leadership signal a promising step forward. With sustained collaboration, strategic planning, and community-driven advocacy, the journey toward improved maternal and child health outcomes in the region is well underway.