Women have been urged to support and encourage fellow women who are making progress in their careers and communities instead of viewing their success as a threat or trying to undermine them.
The call was made during a gathering of women and girls affiliated with the Association of University Women Uganda (AWUA) in Kampala, where participants reflected on the organisation's achievements and challenges that continue to affect women and girls.
Dr Sarah Nkonge expressed concern about the tendency among some women to view fellow women as competitors, saying this can undermine efforts to advance women's wellbeing and opportunities.
"Women should stop pulling down fellow women. When you see another woman progressing, support her instead of seeing her success as a threat," Nkonge said.
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The gathering, led by AWUA President Gertrude Ssekabira, Nkonge and Professor Ruth Nsibirwa, also discussed challenges that continue to hold women back despite various interventions and opportunities aimed at promoting gender equality.
Ssekabira said AWUA has a significant number of experienced women who can use their knowledge and skills to support and mentor young girls in their communities.
"The women in this organisation have gained experience and knowledge which they can take back to their communities to support and mentor the girl child," she said.
The organisation's Vice President, Sarah Bunoti, highlighted inequality and discrimination that women continue to face because of their gender, including in their day-to-day lives.
Grace Murengezi, the President of the Mothers' Union in Uganda and an AWUA member, stressed the need to ensure that girls are not left behind as women work to empower the next generation.
"As we lift and support our children, we must make sure that the girl child is not left behind. Women should not give up in the struggle to create better opportunities for girls," Murengezi said.
Daphine Nakalyowa, AWUA's Chief Information Officer, called on more women to join the organisation and contribute to initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children in need.
"We are calling upon more women to come forward and join us so that together we can put smiles on the faces of children who are in need," she said.
Before the main meeting, participants held a panel discussion featuring experts including Professor Rosette Nyanzi, Maude Mugisha and Sheila Kawamara.
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The discussions formed part of broader efforts by the organisation to encourage women to use their experience and networks to support one another and create better opportunities for women and girls.
