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Gender Inequality On Women’s Economic Empowerment. A Case Study Of Nansana East A Zone In Wakiso District

Namaalwa Ruth, Freeman Crispus


Abstract

This research study aims to examine the issue of gender inequality and its impact on women's economic empowerment through a case study of Nansana East A Zone located in Wakiso District, Uganda. While the Ugandan government has endeavored to promote gender equity and empower women economically through various national policies and legislative measures, the persistence of deep-rooted patriarchal social norms and practices has hampered the effective realization of these objectives in many rural communities across the country. It is within this context that the researcher sets out to employ both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to gain a comprehensive understanding of how gender roles, attitudes, and relations shape women's participation and autonomy in economic decision-making processes at the household and community level in the study area. Through a comprehensive literature review, the initial part of the study provides crucial contextual and conceptual framing on concepts such as gender, women's empowerment, and the linkages between gender inequality and economic outcomes. This is followed by the collection and analysis of both primary and secondary data using methods including a household survey, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions to explore aspects including women's access to and control over productive resources, participation in agricultural and non-farm activities, representation in community leadership positions, and experience of time poverty as a result of their disproportionate domestic responsibilities. The findings are then discussed in relation to the broader national and international discourse on progress and persisting challenges towards women's economic empowerment. The study indicated that supportive networks and mentorship programs significantly contribute to the success of women-owned businesses with 44% strongly agreed, 51% agreed, 0.0% not sure, 4.3% disagreed and none of the respondents strongly disagreed. This implied that access to mentorship opportunities and professional networks not only provides valuable guidance and advice but also fostered confidence and resilience, enabling women entrepreneurs to navigate challenges effectively and make informed business decisions. The government should review some laws/legislations that seem to affect women’s rights. Despite the government of Uganda being a signatory to various international conventions that promote women equality, having laws that give women opportunity to own property as stipulated in the Constitution, the country still embrace customary law.

Keywords

Gender Inequality Women and Economic Empowerment
Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research

Cite This Article

Namaalwa Ruth & Freeman Crispus (2024). Gender Inequality On Women’s Economic Empowerment. A Case Study Of Nansana East A Zone In Wakiso District. Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research, 3(3). https://journals.miu.ac.ug/pages/article.php?article_id=1801

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