International Women’s Day (IWD), commemorated annually on 8th March, is a global moment to celebrate women’s achievements, challenge persistent gender inequalities, and rally collective action for gender equality. In Uganda, women remain the backbone of households, communities, and the national economy, yet their contributions particularly unpaid care and domestic work are often undervalued and under-recognized. The 2026 theme, “Give to Gain,” underscores the powerful message that deliberate investment in women’s time, skills, leadership, and participation generates measurable social and economic returns for families, communities, and the nation.

In line with this theme, UWONET’s IWD 2026 commemoration will spotlight women’s contributions in critical areas of national development, including economic empowerment, access to justice, civic and political participation, ICT access, climate resilience, and social norms transformation. Throughout March, UWONET will roll out coordinated activities such as public statements, and spot messages. The commemoration will serve not only as a celebration, but as a platform for evidence-driven advocacy advancing gender equality, amplifying women’s voices, and positioning women’s empowerment as both a moral obligation and an economic imperative for Uganda’s sustainable development.