The role of women empowerment in promoting peace: a case study of Mukono district, Uganda, 1986-2021.

Abstract

Uganda has conducive legal and policy frameworks that support the effective implementation of numerous women empowerment resolutions/policies such as WPS Agenda enshrined in UNSCR 1325, Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women among others. These have been domesticated to National Action Plans and Local Action Plans entailing numerous strategies aimed at promoting peace through women empowerment across all districts with Mukono inclusive. Despite all the efforts, issues of under representation in peace processes still exist in Uganda with the quality of their participation still questionable. This study therefore explored whether the different strategies, policies among others have empowered women to promote peace in Mukono district. On that note, the researcher explored women empowerment projects in Mukono district, examined what efforts have been in Mukono district to promote women empowerment and what strategies have been in place to promote peace through women empowerment in Mukono district. The study adopted a mixed research design approach which entailed the use of questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions and documentary review as the methods of data collection. Study finds revealed a number of women empowerment projects implemented in Mukono district which empowered women in various socio-economic life aspects. These included; The Empowerment Action Program (TEAP), DREAMS Project, the Literacy Program for Women, Sparked Women Project, The Empowering Formal and Informal Justice Systems to handle and Respond to Gender Based Violence Project and UWEP. All these projects have been instrumental at socially and economically empowering women in Mukono district as well as playing a role in the promotion of peace among women. Also, from the study findings, it was revealed that various key players have labored to put in efforts geared at empowering women to improve their socio-economic status. Such efforts included; implementation of UWEP, UNDP Uganda efforts of integrating gender perspective with its key programme areas of Sustainable Inclusive Economic Development and Inclusive Effective Governance; business development services; continuous sensitization of women to build their confidence and self-esteem; implementation of the gender action learning program; involving men in women empowerment programs; reducing violence against women through creating awareness and influencing attitudes and behavioral change. During the field study, the researcher identified various strategies put in place to promote peace through women empowerment in Mukono district. These include: ratifying international, regional and sub-regional instruments for promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment and thereafter formulate Local Action Plans; affirmative action; localization and implementation of the National Policy on Elimination of GBV in Uganda; raising broad public awareness and mobilizing for implementation of WPS-related activities; raising awareness and mobilizing women’s organizations in Uganda. Much the different key players have engaged in various activities to promote peace through women empowerment, gaps in stakeholder involvement, capacity and information have prevented comprehensive implementation of the existing WPS-related LAPs. In order to close the gaps between policy and their implementation, the study has provided recommendations to be implemented by numerous stakeholders in different localities, informed by policy analysis and key informant interviews with representatives of the Mukono District Local Government.