School of Women and Gender Studies (SWGS)
http://hdl.handle.net/10570/35
2024-03-29T08:30:51ZAccess to and utilisation of maternal health care services: interrogating discrimination against women living with physical disabilities in Kawempe Division, Kampala
http://hdl.handle.net/10570/12135
Access to and utilisation of maternal health care services: interrogating discrimination against women living with physical disabilities in Kawempe Division, Kampala
Nyanjura, Doreen
The purpose of this study was to interrogate the multiple layers of discrimination against women living with physical disabilities in their access to and utilisation of maternal healthcare services in Kawempe Division, Kampala District, Uganda. My research reflects the need for advocating for gender equity and social justice in maternal health service delivery by identifying not only the obstacles that constrain women living with disabilities from accessing and utilising maternal health care, but also lists key recommendations necessary for policy reform. Overall, the study contributes towards conceptualising complex forms of discrimination, that is, the ways in which gender, sexuality and disability intersect to influence discrimination against women as guided by the theory of intersectionality. The study employed a qualitative case study research design as the most appropriate given it’s descriptive and explanatory nature, providing answers to “why” and “how” types of questions, and providing me with an opportunity of purposively collecting data using in-depth interviews, Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions. To this end, the results illustrate the experiences of women living with physical disabilities and how they cope against multiple forms of discrimination in their quest for access to and utilisation of maternal health service. In conclusion, my research findings propose structural and institutional recommendations that can inform policy makers and implementers of policy in Kawempe division.
A dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Arts in Gender Studies of Makerere University.
2023-07-01T00:00:00ZAccess to and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services: gendered experiences of persons with physical disabilities in urban Kampala
http://hdl.handle.net/10570/3287
Access to and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services: gendered experiences of persons with physical disabilities in urban Kampala
Ahumuza, Eva Sharon
In Uganda, like in many developing countries, issues of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) among Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) particularly those with physical disabilities have largely remained hidden. This study focused on the gendered sexual and reproductive health experiences of Persons with Physical Disabilities (PWPDs) in Urban Kampala. The study sought to examine the level of awareness of PWPDs’ SRHR, the influence of body image on PWPDs’ sexual experiences and their access and utilization of SRHR as well as assess the mechanisms available for protection and promotion of PWPDs’ SRHR in Urban Kampala.
The study draws from qualitative and quantitative data collected through semi-structured interviews with 40 PWPDs (20 male and 20 female) and 10 Key informant interviews with health workers, counselors and leaders of PWPDs and employees of agencies involved in disability related interventions at national level and within Kampala.
Study findings revealed high levels of awareness about SRHR among male and female PWPDs in particular their rights to: reproduce, access to justice in case of sexual abuse and to choose intimate sexual partners. In addition, majority of the respondents (93% of the male and 95% of the female respondents) knew that they had a right to access reproductive health care and information services especially services related to STI diagnosis and treatment, HIV/AIDS counseling and testing services, antenatal care services and family planning services. In all the services, females had more knowledge than the males. There was however limited knowledge about abortion services because the practice is illegal.
The major source of information on SRH for PWPDs in urban Kampala for majority of females (96%) than males (80%) was the health facilities. Other sources of information on SRH mentioned included; meetings/associations (41% female and 41% male), workshops (40% male and 35% female), radio (40% male) and schools (15% male and 5% female).
Overall, just half male and more than half female respondents mentioned that antenatal care, family planning, STI diagnosis and treatment and HIV/AIDS counseling and testing services were within easy reach. Fifty percent (50%) male and 35% female of the study respondents reported that the facilities were inaccessible. While more female than male respondents have ever attended health facilities for different services including antenatal care, STI and HIV counseling and testing services, a number of challenges were highlighted including negative attitude of health workers, long queues at health facilities, distant health facilities and high cost of services. On reproductive rights, study findings show that majority female PWPDs had control over their reproductive lives with regard to the timing, number of children and type of contraception.
On the influence of body image, slightly more male than female respondents were negatively affected by their physical appearance with regard to initiation of sexual activity, choice of intimate partner and access to and utilization of health services. Throughout the study PWPDs expressed their struggles to deal with societal attitudes and expectations particularly the belief that PWPDs should be asexual. Consequently discrimination especially for the males at the health centers was reported to be a major concern.
Largely, awareness of laws that promote and protect the SRH for PWPDs was generally low among male and female respondents although majority of the respondents were aware of at least one structure involved in the promotion and protection of SRH for PWPDs. Structures mentioned included police, probation and welfare office, Kampala office for PWDs, courts of laws, community leaders. Although there are these structures in place, majority of respondents testified that PWPDs do not access justice in cases of sexual abuse. This was attributed to negative attitude of service providers.
Communities and service providers’ negative attitudes emerged as a key constraint to PWPDs’ realization of their sexual and reproductive health rights. Thus both community members and service providers including health workers, police officers and legal staff should be sensitized on the rights and needs of PWPDs so as the adequately support the PWPDs. Sensitization efforts should also target PWPDs themselves to build their self-esteem and confidence and instill in them positive attitudes towards themselves. Government and non-government organizations should increase their levels of assistance to PWPDs and their caregivers to address the practical barriers in access of reproductive health services.
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Masters of Arts Degree in Women and Gender Studies of Makerere University
2012-01-01T00:00:00ZAccess to healthcare services: a case of refugees living in Kawempe, Kampala City
http://hdl.handle.net/10570/11507
Access to healthcare services: a case of refugees living in Kawempe, Kampala City
Ddamulira, Dianah
Refugees constitute some of the most vulnerable population in the World. They may be bypassed by development because of discriminative policies, lack of identity, and weak administration systems. This study examined factors affecting access to healthcare services by refugees in Kawempe, Kampala City. The specific objectives were: to assess the status of access to healthcare services by refugees in Kawempe, Kampala City, to assess responses that facilitate access to healthcare services by refugees in Kawempe, Kampala City, to assess the effects of healthcare services on refugees in Kawempe, Kampala City. Exploratory case study design was used, involving mixed research approaches. Semi-structured questions were used to obtain participant experiences about healthcare in Kawempe in line with the study objectives. There were 18 refugee participants and 15 health workers who participated in the study. The statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) was used to precisely organise, analyse data and present standard tabulated descriptive results. Detailed explanations were given for the numerical representation of results. It was found that; Refugees: All refugees accessed healthcare services (100 percent). Healthcare services were relatively affordable (78 percent). Proximity levels were high (94 percent). The quality of healthcare services was high (89 percent). And most refugees went to private healthcare facilities (83 percent). Healthcare Practitioners: Most healthcare practitioners reported high access levels to healthcare services (87 percent). Most healthcare practitioners could not confirm proximity to healthcare facilities (60 percent). The healthcare services were generally affordable (73 percent). The quality of healthcare services provided was high (89 percent). Effective responses were done, involving offering client-centered services (56 percent) were greatest response reported by refugees, and institution of refugee-focused services (33 percent) that ensured refugee-friendliness in care Healthcare practitioners confirmed wellness among refugees (47 percent) while 61 percent of refugees were recovering fully. Refugees accessed healthcare freely in facilities of their choice and effective responses were done to ensure good health and recovery for the sick. In conclusion, refugees accessed all the care and services they needed from both private and public facilities, depending on extent of the case, income levels, and affordability to meet the costs of healthcare.
A thesis submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Masters in Peace and Conflict Studies, Department of Religion and Peace Studies of Makerere university, Kampala
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZAffirmative action for women’s political participation and gender transformation in Uganda
http://hdl.handle.net/10570/12519
Affirmative action for women’s political participation and gender transformation in Uganda
Mutuuzo, Peace Regis
This study set out to examine the effect of affirmative action for women’s political participation on change in gender transformation in Uganda. Specifically, the study examined the level of awareness of affirmative action policies for women’s political participation, analysed the perception on the effect of affirmative action to changes in gender relations and the status of women in both the political and local community. It also explored the structural barriers that limit women in achieving gender equality in politics. The study employed a mixed method research design using largely qualitative data collection approaches. A sample size of 400 respondents was drawn from four regions, each represented by one district with 100 respondents (that is: Mukono for the Central, Arua for the North, Kasese for the West and Jinja for the East). Structured interviews were supported by 2 FGDs from each district. Key Informants’ interviews were conducted, with 38 Members of Parliament, 80 District Councillors, and technocrats with knowledge on the subject matter were selected purposively for interviews. The second data collection method comprised of document reviews like journals, and policy documents and legal frameworks such as Parliamentary Hansards, Constitution, newspaper articles and Ministerial reports. The study established limited awareness by local community and politicians about the various affirmative action policies that promote women’s participation in politics. It was also established that the local community was willing to vote for a woman on the open seat, for as long as she measured and demonstrated the same political traits and capacity as men. It was also established that women’s political achievements are accepted as long as they did not lose their femininity determined by gender roles to challenge the male leadership position at family level and cultural or religious leaders. The study thus, concludes that while some patriarchal cultural norms have changed and women are accepted as leaders, social transformation is yet to occur with women leaders having to shoulder both their feminine and male gender roles. Arising from the stagnation in growth of numbers of women in politics, affirmative action in its current design will take long to deliver the transformation of gender relations needed to guarantee gender equality in society. The adopted quota design in Uganda does not meet nor mean equitable distribution of power and resources between men and women. I conclude that placement of women in the special interest group (in as much as it was a necessary compromise then) has now turned to be one way the policy sustains the perception of women as vulnerable. To eliminate the structural barriers that limit women from achieving gender equality in politics, the study recommends integration of gender equality in education curriculum at all levels and digital sensitization taking advantage of the young population in Uganda. The study recommends a review of quotas for women from 30% to equal representation of one man-one woman for every elective position in politics at all levels to accredit women as equal to men in their own rights.
A thesis submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) in partial fulfillment for the award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Gender Studies), Makerere University
2023-11-01T00:00:00Z