Grassroots women empowerment: a comparative study of human rights education in Rukungiri and Kampala districts

Abstract

This study was set to provide insight into the inter-relationships between human rights education and grassroots women empowerment. The study was conceptualized along human rights theories and Longwe's (1991) five levels approach to women's empowerment was used to assess the human rights education programme. The main objective of the study was to examine grassroots women empowerment through human rights education.

The study recognized human rights education as a powerful tool for women to understand the processes and structures that contribute to gender-based inequality, thus defend and protect their rights. Human rights education offers an opportunity for transformation, which is critical in an attempt to create more gender equitable relationships and change the underlying conditions that cause gender inequality. Ultimately this ensures empowerment that addresses societal and structural issues that underpin access to economic and social power between men and women.

The study areas were Kawempe division and Nyakagyeme sub-county in Kampala and Rukungiri districts respectively. Structured questionnaires were administered to a total sample of 80 respondent's 30 women and 10 men in each study area. In-depth interviews were also conducted on 6 chairpersons LC I, LC II, LC III, 6 secretaries for women LC I, LC II, LC III of selected sub-counties and parishes. Four focus group discussions were conducted consisting of six people each, one for men and another for women in each subcounty/ division.

The findings of the study show that, although human rights education has been going in the communities there has been less impact on the welfare of grassroots women, control and access of resources of production, participation in decision making and raising consciousness for creating an enabling environment to control their destiny. However, the study indicates that there is still room for improvement more especially when the recommendations suggested are implemented.