Second Class Citizens

I was having a conversation with a friend who has just completed his second Masters degree and his research included works on African societies. We spoke about a lot of things, including how generally women are treated. Reflecting on the status of women in Uganda, when they are not married…..they have not made it in life. If they do not have a job, they are a failure.

Now I know the same degree applies to the male species, when I speak of second class citizens, it goes beyond all that, all the way to stating that there are some jobs women cannot and /or should not do such as being Managers, Chief Executive Officers, Directors and supervisors especially given that our society is highly patrilineal.

In Uganda for example, women had to be given two thirds percentage representation in Parliament, then women fought for representation in cabinet (the current Vice President and Prime Minister are female). Society still looks down on unmarried/ unwed women and the childless ones regardless of the circumstances/ situations that led to that. It does not matter how successful one’s career is. I remember how women like Amaal Clooney had resigned to the fact that they were going to be single for life, until they found love at a certain age. Catherine Elizabeth Middleton was named “waity Kate” after an eight year relationship with Prince William as she waited purposefully for him to propose and finally marry her.

Being referred to as a second class citizen means that you are not valued as much. I am a woman, female potential mother, wife and already a leader in society. I feel like there is a lot more that is being brought/ can be brought to the table. We do build society mentally, socially, economically and hope that recognition goes beyond just that.

I think we have progressed as women and it is undoubtable that we share a place at the table. We have not only risen in education, but there is a high level of appreciation and acceptance of what women can and have done. The work remains in encouraging the male species to embrace to just not listen, but hear women.

In the days, months and years to come. We will definitely have a better world.

#RawandReal#