Uganda, according to a recent research finding by Afrobarometer, has historically made significant progress in promoting women’s participation in social, economic, and other spheres. Milestones include the 1997 adoption and 2007 revision of the National Gender Policy, which focused on improving livelihoods, protecting rights, increasing women’s involvement in decision-making, and promoting gender-sensitive economic management. Mwesigwa Joshua sits down with Angella Nakasujja, the brain behind this research, also the M&E and Communications Officer for Hatchile Consults, the National Partner for Afrobarometer in Uganda, to discuss the flip-side of the research— how much women trail men in social, economic aspects, and the other various aspects.
1. Hello, Angella. Please tell us about yourself and what you do at Hatchile Consults, Afrobarometer.
I am the M&E and Communications Officer for Hatchile Consult Ltd, the national partner for Afrobarometer in Uganda. Additionally, I am a gender advocate committed to addressing and bridging gender gaps using the Afrobarometer findings.
2. Great! What motivated your survey? You seem so passionate about women’s issues.
It is quite disheartening to see that women continue to lag behind men in educational attainment, asset ownership, and participation in political and civic engagement, despite policies like affirmative action designed to empower them. Such a simple fact motivated me to dig into the real statistics so that our target parties are well informed with figures, rather than mere grapevine.
For instance, according to Afrobarometer data, let’s consider mobile phone ownership. Women have a mobile phone ownership rate that is 13% lower than that of men. Notably, we did not differentiate between smartphones and basic phones. To put it into perspective, for every 10 women, only 7 own a mobile phone. Additionally, only 6 out of 10 women have a bank account, 9% own motorcycles, and just 2 out of 10 women have phones that can access the internet.
3. One of the things that are striking about your survey is how much it digs into details of your scope of study– the numbers and the graphs—and given that you are a woman it is not surprising. I should say, bravo. What is the significance of the survey findings embedded in the study?
The Afrobarometer survey findings raise awareness and reflect the reality of the gender gap among Ugandan women. However, there is still work to be done. I believe we can achieve progress over time.
4. Who is this information made for? The state, private sector, civil society, public sector? If it is meant for all of them what is the variation in the level of needfulness, if so to speak?
The report aims to provide measurable data to government agencies, stakeholders, political parties, civil society organizations, academia, researchers, and the general public. However, there remains a gap, and more work is needed to address it. I’m still uncertain about the variation.
5. That’s hilarious! We pray they take it in good faith. Now let us get into the real issues addressed in your study. One of the issues is the gender gap in education attainment. I should say this is a very crucial aspect. What measures could be taken to bridge that gap?
Mmmmm…I will summarise the problems, quite relating to the spirit of my study, and attach a solution for each.
Deep-rooted gender stereotypes and expectations often limit girls’ and women’s opportunities for education. Early marriages, childbearing, and domestic responsibilities can disrupt their schooling so this has to be improved.
Poverty can force families to prioritize education for boys or older children, leaving girls behind. We asked our respondents how frequently it occurs in communities that girls get prevented from attending school because their families prioritize the education of boys? And responses show that this still occurs especially in rural areas, where in 10 children only 6 girls can go to school.
School fees, uniforms, and other expenses can be a significant burden. So there has to be financial uplift for women. For instance, we asked our respondents (women): In general, how would you describe: Your own present living conditions? And the answers showed that most of women report as their living conditions being very bad or fairly bad which reflects
In rural areas, the quality of education may be inadequate, particularly for girls, leading to lower completion rates and poorer academic performance. High-standard learning institutions should be equally distributed country wide.
Girls and women may face discrimination, harassment, and sexual violence in schools, discouraging them from pursuing their education. Therefore, support systems, groups are required. Afrobarometer asked respondents: How often does it occur in your community that girl students face discrimination, harassment, or requests for sexual favours from their teachers? Nearly a third of girls do face discrimination, harassment or requested sexual favours, especially in urban areas.
6. In what ways can the government and organizations further promote women’s involvement in decision making and gender-sensitive economic management?
The government should work closely with all sector players to do, among others, the following:
Implement programs that specifically target girls’ education to close the gender gap in educational attainment. Scholarships and mentorship initiatives can encourage more women to pursue higher education.
Develop policies that facilitate women’s access to assets, credit, and entrepreneurship training.
Encourage women’s participation in political processes by implementing quotas for female representation in government and decision-making bodies. Training programs can also prepare women for leadership roles.
Conduct campaigns to highlight the importance of women’s contributions to decision-making and economic management. Engaging men as allies in these efforts can help change societal attitudes.
Ensure that all economic policies consider gender-specific impacts. This includes analyzing how policies affect men and women differently and adjusting them to promote equality.
Use data from surveys like Afrobarometer to track women’s progress in education, employment, and political engagement and act on it accordingly, addressing specific problems with specific measures. Regular assessments can inform policy adjustments and highlight areas needing attention, something like monitoring and evaluation.
7. Has mainstream media reacted to your paper?
Yes. For instance, I was recently hosted by Impact FM radio to discuss this research; and journalists from various radios, Tvs and newspapers across the regions of Uganda have been partnering with us to help the masses make sense of our previous researches. We call upon all the other broadcasters to jump in to drive the narrative of such studies, in which we invest a lot of time and other resources.
8. How has the low rate of news consumption affected all the other areas in which women are scoring low, as far as inclusion is concerned?
Low news consumption among women limits their access to information on rights, opportunities, and decision-making processes. This lack of awareness contributes to their lower participation in education, political engagement, and economic activities, perpetuating gender disparities and hindering overall inclusion.
Now, let’s discuss the reality: the first indicators of prosperity, engagement, and participation are communication and access to information. According to our survey findings, over seven in ten women (72%) report listening to news on the radio “a few times a week” or “every day,” making radio the most important news source for women. However, men are even more likely (85%) to listen to the radio for news.
This trend is consistent across other media as well: 32% of women watch television compared to 38% of men; 12% of women use social media versus 21% of men; 11% of women access the Internet compared to 21% of men; and 7% of women read newspapers compared to 12% of men. These statistics indicate that women still lag behind men in news consumption.
9. What are the possible causes of the persistent gender gaps in educational attainment, employment, and asset ownership in Uganda, as highlighted in the survey findings? What interventions or policies do you believe could effectively address the challenges faced by women in Uganda in terms of educational attainment, employment, and asset ownership?
Well, they are quite a many. Traditional beliefs and practices, which often prioritize male education and discourage girls from pursuing higher education or careers.
Limited access to financial resources and credit which restricts women’s ability to invest in education and businesses.
Insufficient mentorship and poor support systems for women which hinders their career advancement and educational opportunities.
Also gender bias in hiring and promotions affects women’s employment prospects and career progression; low news consumption and inadequate access to information about rights and opportunities contribute to women’s marginalization.
These can be addressed by doing a few things; for instance:
Implement scholarships and financial support for girls to encourage higher education enrollment and retention.
Providing training and access to microloans for women entrepreneurs to enhance their asset ownership and economic independence.
Establishing mentorship programs connecting women with role models in various fields to encourage career development and educational pursuits.
Enacting and enforcing laws that promote gender equality in hiring, pay equity, and workplace conditions to combat discrimination.
Launching media campaigns to educate communities about the importance of women’s education, employment, and rights, fostering a supportive environment.
10. What role do you think cultural and societal norms play in perpetuating the gender disparities identified in the survey, and how can these norms be effectively addressed to promote gender inclusivity in Uganda?
Traditional beliefs often dictate that men should be the primary breadwinners and decision-makers, relegating women to subordinate roles in education, employment, and politics.
From an early age, girls may be socialized to prioritize domestic responsibilities over education and career ambitions, limiting their aspirations.
Women who challenge traditional roles may face social stigma or backlash, discouraging others from pursuing similar paths.
The underrepresentation of women in leadership and decision-making roles reinforces the notion that these spaces are unsuitable for women, perpetuating the cycle of exclusion.
These can be addressed by:
Implementing community-based programs that educate both men and women about gender equality and the benefits of inclusivity. Highlight successful female role models to challenge stereotypes.
Involving men in discussions about gender equality to foster understanding and support for women’s rights and participation in various sectors.
Facilitating open dialogues within communities to address harmful norms and practices. Encourage discussions that promote shared responsibilities in households and leadership roles.
Using media to portray women in diverse roles—leaders, professionals, and decision-makers—challenging traditional stereotypes and inspiring change.
Advocating for policies that promote gender equality and support initiatives aimed at changing societal perceptions, such as gender-sensitive training in schools and workplaces.
Creating support groups and networks for women to share experiences and strategies for overcoming societal barriers, fostering a sense of community and empowerment.
11. I recently ran an article in which I mentioned that the issue of women emancipiation, which is also the issue that your survey also seems to be addressing, is something that should be tackled with sensitivity and care, given that historically it is something new and strange to the African culture that has been practised for thousands of years. What’s your take on that?
That’s very correct. It’s crucial to approach women’s emancipation with sensitivity, acknowledging historical and cultural contexts. While advocating for gender equality, it’s important to engage communities in dialogue, respecting traditions while promoting change. Balancing cultural values with the need for progress can foster acceptance and create a supportive environment for women’s rights. So yes, you were right.
12. How can the findings of the Afrobarometer survey be utilized to inform and shape future policies and interventions aimed at promoting gender equality in Uganda?
The findings of the Afrobarometer survey can inform future policies by highlighting specific areas where gender disparities exist. Policymakers should use this data to identify gaps and develop targeted interventions, such as educational programs, economic empowerment initiatives, and advocacy campaigns. Additionally, the survey results can guide resource allocation and measure progress over time, ensuring that efforts to promote gender equality are effective and evidence-based.
13. What are your hobbies? I am kidding, you don’t have to answer that… hahaha
Uhmmh… And I won’t answer
14. Thanks for joining me. Any last words to our readers?
Empowering women and girls start with each of us, beginning at an early age. An educated mother who can support herself and her family, and take on leadership roles in her community or country, represents a significant step forward. This vision can be realized if we take action together. Thank you. God bless you. I am humbled.
