Freedom of Expression and Access to Information are fundamental human rights for gender inclusivity to exist. However, the efficiency of these rights can be significantly hindered by policies and their implementation. These challenges can be particularly pronounced for women, who already face numerous societal barriers.
On 24th May 2024 Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) organized a National Engagement Dialogue under the Civil Society in Uganda Participation Program (CUSP). This dialogue brought together multiple stakeholders including policymakers, policy implementers, women-led Civil Society organizations (CSOs), journalists, and women human rights defenders. The dialogue focused on assessing the existing laws and policies on the rights of Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, examining their impact on women’s participation in both online and offline public spheres, and proposing actionable solutions.
This dialogue aimed to address critical issues hindering women’s meaningful participation at all levels of decision making by providing a platform for diverse voices to be heard and fostering a collaborative approach to improving the legislative and practical landscape for freedom of expression and information access.
A significant portion of the dialogue was dedicated to exploring how existing laws such as the Computer Misuse Act, 2011 (As amended), Press and Journalist Act Cap 105, Access to Information Act, 2005 among others impact women’s participation in both public and online discourse. Participants highlighted that while there are legal protections in place, the transparent implementation often falls short, leading to a gap between the intended and actual impact of these laws on the experiences of women. Online harassment and offline intimidation were noted as major deterrents for women, restricting their active engagement in public discourse.
“Anonymity on social media has increased the rate of online harassment thus posing a great threat to women’s participation in online spaces”, a Women Human Rights Defender noted.
Another critical point of discussion was the barriers women face in accessing information. Socio-economic factors like underemployment and low literacy levels, digital illiteracy, and patriarchal norms were identified as key obstacles that prevent women from fully exercising their right of Access to Information. On this note, participants highlighted the need for targeted interventions that address these barriers, ensuring women can access the information they need to participate meaningfully in society.
“There is a need to involve grassroots women in decision-making processes and encourage them to take up leadership roles to fight for their rights”, a participant highlighted.
The dialogue acted as a platform for proposing solutions to the challenges faced by women in accessing information and freely expressing themselves. Here are some of the key recommendations that emerged:
There was a consensus on the need for comprehensive legal and policy reforms that explicitly address the gender-specific barriers to Freedom of Expression and Access to Information. This includes drafting laws that provide stronger protections against online and offline harassment and ensuring these laws are effectively implemented.
To bridge the digital literacy gap, participants called for increased investment in capacity-building programs. These programs should aim to empower women with the necessary skills to navigate digital spaces safely and effectively.
Enhanced collaboration between CSOs, media, and policymakers was recommended to create a more supportive environment for women’s participation. This includes initiatives to promote positive portrayals of women in media and to amplify women’s voices in public discourse.
Raising awareness at the community level about the importance of women’s participation in public discourse and their right to information was highlighted as a crucial step. Community-driven initiatives can play a significant role in changing societal attitudes and norms that hinder women’s engagement.
Creating an enabling environment for Civil Society Organisations requires a multi-stakeholder approach. Therefore, the National Engagement Dialogue was a crucial step towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for women in Uganda. The dialogue not only highlighted the challenges women face but also paved the way for collaborative solutions to ensure that freedom of expression and access to information are truly inclusive, enabling all women to participate fully in both online and public discourse.
Author: Irene Marunga Katushabe
