By Signe Winding Albejerg
Last week I had the privilege of visiting Adjumani in Northern Uganda as part of the WomenUganda2025+ campaign. Traveling with the United Nations Population Fund Uganda Country Representative Kristine Biokhus and our inspiring male champions, Dr Jimmy Spire Ssentongo and Don Zane Muwanguzi , I was struck by both the challenges and the incredible resilience of the young people in these communities.
The hash tag #womenuganda2025+ campaign is a collaborative initiative led by female Heads of Missions and UN Agencies, alongside male changemakers from government, civil society, the private sector, and the diplomatic corps. Its mission is clear: advance women’s rights, promote gender equality, and create positive social norms that end violence against women!
What makes this campaign unique is the active role of men as allies. Male champions are stepping forward to challenge gender inequality, support women’s rights, and demonstrate how gender equality benefits everyone. Through community engagement, advocacy, and collaborative initiatives, the campaign works to shift harmful social norms, inspire transformative action, and amplify women’s leadership in governance and policy implementation.
During the visit, we engaged with Alere Secondary School, where young people are gaining vital knowledge about sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). We also spent time in Alere Refugee Settlement, where men from the community are stepping up as positive role models, promoting positive masculinity and demonstrating how men can actively be allies in advancing gender equality and safety for all. It was inspiring to witness the tangible impact of gender-transformative initiatives through the SAY Programme, and I was reminded that lasting change only happens when we all, women and men, work together: as partners, allies, and champions for equality
