Assessing knowledge and attitudes relating to women's land ownership rights in Kimannya-Kabonera Division, Masaka City, Masaka District

Abstract

Background/Introduction: Gender equality is essential for sustainable development, with women's land rights being crucial. Despite legal reforms, women in Africa, particularly Uganda, face barriers in land ownership due to socio-cultural norms and implementation gaps. This study assesses the knowledge and attitudes of women in Kakunyu Parish, Kimannya-Kabonera Division, Masaka City, regarding their land ownership rights. The study aims to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of women in Kimannya-Kabonera Division concerning their land ownership rights. Identifying gaps and barriers will inform policy interventions, legal reforms, and community initiatives to empower women and promote gender equality in land ownership. A mixed-methods approach was used, including quantitative and qualitative data collection. Systematic random sampling of 87 women was conducted using structured questionnaires. In-depth interviews with key women leaders and men were carried out via purposive sampling. Data were collected over two weeks and analyzed over one and a half months using descriptive statistics and NVivo 14 for thematic analysis. Knowledge of Land Rights: Only 32% of women were aware of specific legal provisions for land ownership. Attitudes towards Land Ownership: Cultural norms heavily influence attitudes, with 45% of women apprehensive about asserting their rights due to fear of social backlash, while 38% expressed a strong desire to claim their rights if supported. Perceived Barriers: Key barriers include traditional practices (52%), legal complexities (47%), and limited access to resources. Impact of Legal Reforms: Only 29% of women felt that legal reforms had positively impacted their ability to own land. Women in Kimannya-Kabonera Division face significant challenges in asserting land rights due to socio-cultural barriers and lack of awareness. The study underscores the need for targeted policy interventions, increased legal literacy, and community-driven initiatives to promote gender equity in land ownership. Addressing these issues is crucial for sustainable development and social progress in Masaka.