Know Your Rights 14: Women have the same rights and dignity as men

Chapter 4 of the Constitution of Uganda, also known as The Bill of Rights, details the rights of all Ugandan citizens. Whether you are a person with a disability (PWD) or not, all these rights are yours.

Article 33 of the Constitution of Uganda says that women have full and equal rights with men. The state must provide opportunities for the welfare and advancement of women.

If you are a woman with a disability you your status and dignity are equal to men. Any law, culture, custom or tradition that undermines your dignity or welfare are prohibited. Anything that undermines your status as a women is prohibited by law.

Women with disabilities are twice as likely to experience domestic violence and other forms of gender-based and sexual violence as non-disabled women, and are likely to experience abuse over a longer period of time and to suffer more severe injuries as a result of the violence.

The Constitution of Uganda details Article 33 like this:

33. Rights of women.

(1) Women shall be accorded full and equal dignity of the person with men.

(2) The State shall provide the facilities and opportunities necessary to enhance the welfare of women to enable them to realise their full potential and advancement.

(3) The State shall protect women and their rights, taking into account their unique status and natural maternal functions in society.

(4) Women shall have the right to equal treatment with men and that right shall include equal opportunities in political, economic and social activities.

(5) Without prejudice to article 32 of this Constitution, women shall have the right to affirmative action for the purpose of redressing the imbalances created by history, tradition or custom.

(6) Laws, cultures, customs or traditions which are against the dignity, welfare or interest of women or which undermine their status, are prohibited by this Constitution.