Today we join the world in celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) under the theme: “Accelerating Gender Equality for Action”:” This day is an important reminder of the struggles for gender equality and women’s empowerment. It is a time to reflect on the progress made, acknowledge the work yet to be done, and highlight the critical role of women and girls in achieving a just, inclusive, and prosperous society that supports peace and development.
This year’s theme calls for acceleration of progress towards gender equality. It emphasizes that gender equality is not just a matter of social justice but a fundamental human rights issue. IWD 2025 sets the demand for inclusive actions that promote equal rights, power, and opportunities for all women and girls. At the core of this vision is the empowerment of the youth, especially young women and adolescent girls, as essential drivers of change for a more gender-equal world.
The year 2025 is significant as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a milestone document that has shaped global strategies for women’s rights since its adoption by 189 governments in 1995. As we commemorate this anniversary, the urgency to address the persistent barriers women face across the globe, especially in conflict and forced migration contexts, is more pressing than ever. Uganda currently hosts 1.7 million refugees, 79% being women and children who are often marginalized and vulnerable to exploitation, violence, and denial of basic rights. RLP has played a pivotal role over the past 25 years in advocating for the protection, dignity, and empowerment of refugees and their host communities in Uganda.
Through its various thematic programs, RLP strives to enhance the lives of forced migrants, particularly women and girls, by addressing issues such as access to justice, gender-based violence, education, and livelihoods.