Uganda DanceSport Federation (UDSF) has made significant strides in empowering its stakeholders through various Olympic solidarity programs, focusing on capacity building for athletes, judges, technical administrators, and staff members at the UDSF secretariat. This commitment was recently exemplified during the Gender Equality and Diversity (GED) Workshop held at Kabojja International School in Munyonyo, Kampala.
The workshop, opened by Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) President Dr. Donald Rukare, aimed to address the crucial need to involve boys and men in the gender agenda within sports. Dr. Rukare emphasized, “Gender equality on and off the field of play should be an area of focus for us all.”
The UDSF was well represented at the workshop by Musoke Joe, UDSF Public Relations Officer, and Nakanwagi Rita Petience, a DanceSport judge and student at Makerere University. Their presence highlighted UDSF’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive environment in sports.
The workshop featured leadership from across member organizations, including a moment of remembrance for Rebecca OLY, where participants signed a pledge against gender-based violence. This event aligned with a training of trainers (TOT) for males in sports leadership as ambassadors for gender equality organized by the UOC Gender Equality and Diversity Commission.
Speakers included notable figures such as Pedro Dias, IOC Gender Equality and Inclusion Manager, and Matlohang, GED Chair for Africa, Rosette Sayson MEYA – UOC GED Commission chairperson, David Mugambe Mpiima PhD from School of Women and Gender Studies at Makerere University . who underscored the role of male allies in driving change and promoting inclusivity in sports. “Male allies can drive change and promote inclusivity,” they remarked, reiterating the importance of collective action.
Key Takeaways from the Workshop
Steps to Gender Transformation in Sports:
- Change men’s attitudes.
- Reflect on negative norms.
- Engage in dialogue between men and women.
- Utilize inclusive data.
- Foster feminist partnerships.
- Advocate for legal reforms.
Pedro Dias emphasized that gender transformation in sports requires a shift in attitudes towards traditional masculinities, which often perpetuate inequality. The workshops aimed to promote positive masculinity and encourage collaborative dialogue on breaking harmful stereotypes.
The IOC Gender Equality Strategy
The IOC has committed to several goals, including achieving 50% female participation in the Olympic Games by Paris 2024 and ensuring a minimum of 30% female representation in sports leadership roles. The message is clear: creating safe sport environments and accelerating the balance of gender representation in sports leadership is essential for transformative change.
Looking Forward
As we reflect on the workshop, it’s vital to continue the conversation around gender equality in sports. Collectively, we can challenge harmful masculinities, foster equal opportunities for girls and women, and promote positive change in our communities. The UDSF remains dedicated to empowering its stakeholders by taking active participation in Capacity Building programs outsourced by Uganda Olympic Committee, and together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable sports environment for everyone.
A huge thank you to UOC Gender and Equality Commission, all speakers, attendees, and organizers for making this pivotal event a success. 
Together, let’s uphold the campaign of #HeForShe, #GenderEquality, and #EmpowermentThroughSports, ensuring that the transformative power of sports is harnessed to create meaningful change.
