In the realm of Uganda’s music scene, the president of the Uganda Musicians Association (UMA), the talented songstress Cindy Sanyu, has sparked a lively debate by expressing her reservations about feminism. Cindy firmly believes that women cannot navigate life’s challenges single-handedly, emphasizing the crucial role men play in various aspects.
As a devoted mother of three and a happily married woman, Cindy’s perspective stems from her personal experiences. Initially, she found herself as a single mother to a child from a previous relationship with a white man. Despite this, she never harbored negative sentiments towards men, as some single mothers tend to do.
Notably, one of Cindy’s music industry rivals, the acclaimed singer Sheebah Karungi, identifies herself as a feminist, a label that Cindy finds unappealing. Cindy Sanyu has consistently voiced her views on feminism, acknowledging its positive aspects but insisting that it should not entail sidelining men.
Cindy’s upbringing, alongside a single mother, failed to shape her into a feminist, unlike Sheebah. While Sheebah attributes her feminist stance to her challenging upbringing and her mother’s arduous struggle to raise them alone, Cindy Sanyu maintains her belief in the significance of men. She acknowledges the struggles faced by women, drawing from her personal experiences, yet remains steadfast in her conviction that men contribute significantly to the tapestry of life.
“I see the struggles of women, I grew up with a single mother… I am all about empowering women but I am not about kicking aside the guys….. I don’t believe that we females can do it alone,” Cindy asserts.
Cindy’s viewpoint challenges the traditional feminist narrative, advocating for a harmonious collaboration between genders rather than a divisive dichotomy. She emphasizes that achieving gender equality and empowerment can be attained without alienating or undervaluing men.
In a society grappling with gender dynamics, Cindy Sanyu’s perspective serves as a reminder that embracing collaboration and inclusivity between men and women can lead to a more balanced and prosperous future. By acknowledging the unique strengths and contributions of both genders, we can forge a path towards true equality, where mutual respect and support prevail.
