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Women’s Community Engagement And Its Impact On Empowerment And Social Changes In Mbarara District. (issue 4)

This study aimed at examining women's community engagement in Mbarara district and its impact on empowering
women as well as bringing about social changes. It recognized that women play an important role in community
development through their participation in various social and economic activities at the grassroots level. However,
their agency and contributions have often been overlooked in most societies including in Mbarara district. The study
employed a qualitative research methodology to collect in-depth data through semi-structured interviews and focus
group discussions with 50 women representing different women's groups and organizations in Mbarara district. It also
analyzes relevant documents and reports on women's issues from governmental and non-governmental organizations
working in the area. The data collected is coded thematically and analyzed to identify emerging patterns regarding the
nature of women's community engagement, their perceived empowerment and social changes resultant of their
participation. The findings revealed that women in Mbarara are actively engaged in collective action through different
informal groups focusing on savings & loans, agriculture, vocational skills training, and health education. Their
involvement has enabled them to build social networks, gain leadership roles, contribute to household decision
making, and develop sources of livelihoods. At the community level, such organized efforts of women have led to
promotion of girls' education, reduction of domestic violence cases, improved access to health services, and increased
participation in local politics and development projects. The study showed that most respondents understood what
women’s community engagement meant. Women should engage in different activities in order to feel included and
add on the community change in Mbarara.

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