Female Educators Reflect on Leadership and Justice During UNATU Post–International Women’s Day Webinar - UNATU
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:16
Female Educators Reflect on Leadership and Justice During UNATU Post–International Women’s Day Webinar - UNATU
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Introduction
Aja Joan –
UNATU Gender Desk Officer
Following the commemoration of
International Women’s Day 2026
, the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) convened a
Post–International Women’s Day webinar
on 9th March 2026 to continue discussions on gender equality, leadership, and justice for women in the education sector.
Held under the theme
“Scaling up Investment to Accelerate Access to Justice for All Women and Girls in Uganda,”
the webinar provided an important platform for female educators to reflect on the progress made in advancing gender equality and to explore practical ways of strengthening women’s leadership in education and within union structures.
The session brought together
32 participants
including educators and UNATU officials. It was chaired by the
Gender Desk Officer
, with participation from the
Human Resource Officer, Programme Officer, and ICT Assistant
, among others.
⸻
Strengthening Women’s Participation in Education Leadership
The webinar focused on the participation and leadership of women within
education unions and institutions
, building on the conversations initiated during the International Women’s Day celebrations.
Participants discussed the reality that although women make up a significant proportion of educators in schools, they remain
underrepresented in leadership positions
, particularly at higher levels of decision-making.
Using the
African Women in Education Network (AWEN) Toolkit
, the Gender Desk Officer guided participants through discussions on the barriers that often prevent women from stepping into leadership roles within unions and educational institutions.
The AWEN toolkit was developed following research conducted by
female African researchers across 17 education unions
, examining the structural, cultural, and institutional barriers affecting women’s participation in leadership.
UNATU is among the organizations implementing the toolkit as a
practical learning and dialogue tool
aimed at strengthening women’s representation and leadership in education.
⸻
Addressing Barriers to Women’s Leadership
During the session, participants openly discussed some of the challenges that continue to limit women’s leadership opportunities.
These included:
• Cultural expectations placed on women in society
• Fear or hesitation to take on leadership responsibilities
• Work–life balance pressures
• Limited mentorship and support systems
Participants noted that societal perceptions often discourage women from taking on leadership roles, while those who step forward may sometimes be perceived negatively for demonstrating strong leadership.
The discussions emphasized the need for
safe spaces where educators can openly share experiences and reflect on gender dynamics
within schools, unions, and communities.
⸻
Promoting Gender Equality in Education Spaces
The webinar also highlighted the importance of strengthening gender equality within educational institutions.
The
Programme Officer
and
Human Resource Officer
shared insights on human rights principles and the importance of creating
safe and inclusive working environments
for educators.
Participants reflected on how schools and education unions can play a critical role in promoting:
• gender-sensitive leadership practices
• equal opportunities for both boys and girls
• supportive environments that empower women educators to take on leadership responsibilities.
The conversation also acknowledged the progress already made within UNATU, particularly in strengthening gender representation in union structures and policies.
⸻
The Role of the AWEN Toolkit
A key focus of the session was the
AWEN toolkit
, which encourages educators to engage in structured discussions on gender experiences and leadership.
The toolkit is designed to help educators:
• understand gender barriers within institutions
• promote honest dialogue about leadership experiences
• create action plans to support women in leadership roles
Participants agreed that the toolkit provides a
practical and accessible approach
for educators to begin addressing gender inequality in their own school communities.
⸻
Taking the Conversation Beyond the Webinar
In her closing remarks, delivered on behalf of the General Secretary, the
Communications Manager
encouraged participants to extend the discussions beyond the virtual meeting space.
She challenged educators to take the lessons and reflections from the webinar
beyond classrooms and boardrooms into society
, emphasizing the importance of continuing to uplift the theme:
“Scaling up Investment to Accelerate Access to Justice for All Women and Girls in Uganda.”
Participants were reminded that educators play a critical role not only in shaping the future of learners but also in advancing
social justice, equality, and leadership opportunities for women and girls.
⸻
Conclusion
The Post–International Women’s Day webinar reaffirmed UNATU’s commitment to promoting
gender equality, leadership development, and empowerment of women educators
.
Through continued dialogue, practical tools such as the AWEN toolkit, and strengthened collaboration among educators, the union aims to build a more inclusive education sector where women have equal opportunities to lead and contribute to decision-making processes.
As the discussions continue, female educators remain central to shaping a future where
investment in justice, equality, and leadership translates into meaningful progress for women and girls in Uganda.
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Skip to content
Introduction
Aja Joan –
UNATU Gender Desk Officer
Following the commemoration of
International Women’s Day 2026
, the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) convened a
Post–International Women’s Day webinar
on 9th March 2026 to continue discussions on gender equality, leadership, and justice for women in the education sector.
Held under the theme
“Scaling up Investment to Accelerate Access to Justice for All Women and Girls in Uganda,”
the webinar provided an important platform for female educators to reflect on the progress made in advancing gender equality and to explore practical ways of strengthening women’s leadership in education and within union structures.
The session brought together
32 participants
including educators and UNATU officials. It was chaired by the
Gender Desk Officer
, with participation from the
Human Resource Officer, Programme Officer, and ICT Assistant
, among others.
⸻
Strengthening Women’s Participation in Education Leadership
The webinar focused on the participation and leadership of women within
education unions and institutions
, building on the conversations initiated during the International Women’s Day celebrations.
Participants discussed the reality that although women make up a significant proportion of educators in schools, they remain
underrepresented in leadership positions
, particularly at higher levels of decision-making.
Using the
African Women in Education Network (AWEN) Toolkit
, the Gender Desk Officer guided participants through discussions on the barriers that often prevent women from stepping into leadership roles within unions and educational institutions.
The AWEN toolkit was developed following research conducted by
female African researchers across 17 education unions
, examining the structural, cultural, and institutional barriers affecting women’s participation in leadership.
UNATU is among the organizations implementing the toolkit as a
practical learning and dialogue tool
aimed at strengthening women’s representation and leadership in education.
⸻
Addressing Barriers to Women’s Leadership
During the session, participants openly discussed some of the challenges that continue to limit women’s leadership opportunities.
These included:
• Cultural expectations placed on women in society
• Fear or hesitation to take on leadership responsibilities
• Work–life balance pressures
• Limited mentorship and support systems
Participants noted that societal perceptions often discourage women from taking on leadership roles, while those who step forward may sometimes be perceived negatively for demonstrating strong leadership.
The discussions emphasized the need for
safe spaces where educators can openly share experiences and reflect on gender dynamics
within schools, unions, and communities.
⸻
Promoting Gender Equality in Education Spaces
The webinar also highlighted the importance of strengthening gender equality within educational institutions.
The
Programme Officer
and
Human Resource Officer
shared insights on human rights principles and the importance of creating
safe and inclusive working environments
for educators.
Participants reflected on how schools and education unions can play a critical role in promoting:
• gender-sensitive leadership practices
• equal opportunities for both boys and girls
• supportive environments that empower women educators to take on leadership responsibilities.
The conversation also acknowledged the progress already made within UNATU, particularly in strengthening gender representation in union structures and policies.
⸻
The Role of the AWEN Toolkit
A key focus of the session was the
AWEN toolkit
, which encourages educators to engage in structured discussions on gender experiences and leadership.
The toolkit is designed to help educators:
• understand gender barriers within institutions
• promote honest dialogue about leadership experiences
• create action plans to support women in leadership roles
Participants agreed that the toolkit provides a
practical and accessible approach
for educators to begin addressing gender inequality in their own school communities.
⸻
Taking the Conversation Beyond the Webinar
In her closing remarks, delivered on behalf of the General Secretary, the
Communications Manager
encouraged participants to extend the discussions beyond the virtual meeting space.
She challenged educators to take the lessons and reflections from the webinar
beyond classrooms and boardrooms into society
, emphasizing the importance of continuing to uplift the theme:
“Scaling up Investment to Accelerate Access to Justice for All Women and Girls in Uganda.”
Participants were reminded that educators play a critical role not only in shaping the future of learners but also in advancing
social justice, equality, and leadership opportunities for women and girls.
⸻
Conclusion
The Post–International Women’s Day webinar reaffirmed UNATU’s commitment to promoting
gender equality, leadership development, and empowerment of women educators
.
Through continued dialogue, practical tools such as the AWEN toolkit, and strengthened collaboration among educators, the union aims to build a more inclusive education sector where women have equal opportunities to lead and contribute to decision-making processes.
As the discussions continue, female educators remain central to shaping a future where
investment in justice, equality, and leadership translates into meaningful progress for women and girls in Uganda.
Leave a Comment
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