Uganda on Saturday joined the global celebration of International Women’s Day to recognize the accomplishments and efforts of women across a range of industries. But as we consider the past and today, a crucial query comes up: Will Uganda be able to produce strong female leaders in the years to come, like First Lady Maama Janet Museveni, former Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga, Queen of Buganda Sylvia Nagginda Luswata, Maggie Kigozi, musician Joanita Kawalya, and Miria Matembe? Indeed, a very hard question to answer.
However, a comparative analysis of the old generation and the future generation of women leaders raises concerns. The current generation of young women “some “seem to be wasting their valuable time and resources on social media, often prioritizing vanity over substance. The proliferation of explicit content, reckless behaviour, and the glorification of hedonism on social media platforms are alarming trends.
Therefore, the women leaders of yesteryear, such as those mentioned earlier, demonstrated remarkable dedication, resilience, vision and discipline. They invested their time and energy in pursuits that contributed meaningfully to their communities and the nation at large. Their commitment to education, family, and social causes inspired a generation of women to follow in their footsteps.
The implications of this generational shift are far-reaching. If the current trajectory persists, the next generation of women leaders may lack the role models and mentors necessary to guide them. The erosion of traditional values, such as the importance of marriage and family, may also have a profound impact on the fabric of Ugandan society.
The death of positive role models and the prevalence of destructive influences on social media may lead to a crisis of leadership and purpose among young women. We are witnessing a generational shift that is characterized by a lack of direction and purpose. If we do not intervene to provide guidance and mentorship, we risk losing an entire generation of women leaders.
As Uganda celebrates International Women’s Day, it is essential to acknowledge the achievements of women leaders past and present. However, it is equally crucial to recognize the challenges facing the next generation of women leaders and to take proactive steps to address them.
It must be more concerning to us that it is worse on the side of young men. Are we going to have a generation that is wasted?
Concerned Citizen
Ivan Kimuli Kigozi
