Women discrimination on planning and development at local government level in Uganda: A case of Kisoro District.

Abstract

The principal focus of this study is women discrimination in Uganda with specific reference to Kisoro District. It concerns itself with women discrimination and its impact on planning and development of Kisoro District taking an ethical evaluation. The main problem addressed is that in spite of the attempt to empower women in Uganda, women are still discriminated against particularly in Kisoro District. It was hypothesised that gender discrimination inhibits women effective participation in local planning and development; and gender discrimination is looked at as the ultimate factor behind women’s poor performance and achievement in Kisoro District. Therefore the principal task of the study is to make women participation and empowerment a reality; and the principle objective is to facilitate and improve women’s performance socially, economically and politically.

The study was carried out among the active women and some men engaged in local government development programs so as to yield a balanced analysis of the problem. It also included key informants and opinion leaders like community development officers, district planners, population officers, and local council leaders, women and men counsellors. The methods used were basically interviewing and focus group discussions. The interview method took the form of the questionnaire and instructed interviews. However, the study relied heavily on a qualitative and descriptive research design although the quantitative method of tabulation was also used.

It was established that women discrimination is the core cause of poor women participation in planning and development, and for that reason, the basis upon which the solution could be based.

As such, this study recommends strategies that would increase participation in planning and development. This could be done by the government, private and social or religious institutions as well as by the much needed input of individual persons. A final appeal is made to all stakeholders to give a noble, willing and enthusiastic response to this noble cause and help to improve women participation in planning and development.