The Secretary General of the Uganda Olympic Committee, Beatrice Ayikoru, has called for greater recognition, protection, and opportunities for women in sport as the world marks International Women’s Day.
Ayikoru said the annual observance should be used to highlight the contributions women make across sport, from competition to administration and leadership, while also addressing the challenges that continue to affect female athletes.
She noted that regular celebrations of International Women’s Day can help shine a spotlight on the role women play in the growth of sport and create a platform to confront issues such as gender based violence and sexual harassment.
“We are going to be celebrating this day annually and it’s going to be used as a platform to fight gender-based violence which is affecting athletes, sexual harassment, and also ask for equal opportunities because when you come to the field women are there but when it comes to leadership and decision-making positions within sports organizations, women are still lagging behind,” Ayikoru said.
Her remarks also highlighted the persistent barriers many female athletes face, including limited access to justice when they experience abuse or discrimination. She said addressing these gaps remains important in ensuring women can participate and progress safely within the sports ecosystem.
As part of the celebrations, Uganda Athletics Federation plans to commemorate the day each year through athletics events such as the Women’s Day International Run. The initiative aims to promote participation, celebrate women in sport, and encourage empowerment through athletics.
