The effect of governance on the economic rights of Women in Uganda: A Case study of Kaberamaido district during 2002-2007

Abstract

In Uganda, efforts to establish good governance are seen in the proclamation of the 1995 Constitution as derived from various international instruments. It is important to note, however, that despite those efforts, the situation and conditions of the women’s economic empowerment are still questionable.

Emphasis was placed on assessing whether governance has affected the economic rights of women positively or negatively, assessing the meaning of women’s economic rights as enumerated in various human rights instruments and establishing the implementation of women’s economic rights.

The study involved 100 respondents, a case study design was used and the study population consisted of politicians, women activists and grassroots women. Probability and non probability sampling techniques were used in the sections of the area covered by the study. Sources of data were secondary and primary. The study included the use of questionnaires in written interviews and an interview guide for focus group discussions. Validity and reliability were used for accuracy and focus in the research. The researcher pre-tested the instruments that were used in the collection of all the data. Discussions and direct observation enabled the respondents to freely give their responses with objectivity.

Governance was given various definitions by the respondents and economic rights were understood to be right to work, own property and there was a general consensus on the effects of culture on women. This was coupled with discrimination in various forms, abuse of the right to education, despite the created favourable atmosphere for good governance. It was established that absence of a specific policy and institutional arrangement for the implementation of affirmative action has threatened to undermine its effectiveness. And this calls for principles of non-discrimination and public participation to be implemented, so that economic rights can be achieved through advocacy and resource mobilisation.