United Nations
Development Programme

Plot 15B Clement Hill Road

P.O Box 7184

Kampala, Uganda

Tel: (256) 414-233440/1/2/5

Fax: (256) 414-344801

Email: registry.ug@undp.org

Esther Oboth, a 25 year old banker portrays nothing but an air of accomplishment and confidence in her position in life today. ‘‘ Attaining an education is the basis for my success today. Everything I am, I credit to education and there won’t be a time I will feel marginalized because in most cases I have equal opportunities with men.’’

Women’s voices are marginalized and have fewer channels for political and social representation, however; they have been encouraged, through the national affirmative action policy, to compete with men in different areas like higher education, governance, politics and management.

‘‘ The tides have changed, today more women are bold and confident to take up jobs that were traditionally considered for men, because of my home and educational background I can’t feel undermined in any way.’’ Namaara Suzan a 24 year old quality assurance officer says.

Gender equality and the empowerment of women is essential both to the elimination of world poverty and upholding of human rights. Empowering women is the central issue in determining the status of women.

By the year 2015 it is expected that more women will be empowered as part of the millennium development goals. UNDP supports the mainstreaming of gender and women’s empowerment in the development of national policies.