Empowerment and Participation of Women in Community Development in Makindye Division, Lukuli and Kansanga Parishes in Kamlada
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Date
2012-10
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Kampala International University, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Abstract
This study was intended to establish the relationship between empowerment and women participation in community development in Lukuli and Kansanga parishes of Makindye Division in Kampala. To achieve this, the demographic profile, empowerment and participation levels, differences in empowerment and participation levels by demographic factors, and the relationship between empowerment and women participation, were looked at. This study adopted a descriptive correlational research design using a quantitative approach. A target population of 172 and a sample size of 84 were used. Choice of respondents was by purposive and simple random sampling. To gather data, self-administered questionnaires and a face sheet were used. During analysis, frequency and percentage distribution were used in relation to the profile of respondents while the mean was used to compute both the levels of empowerment and participation of respondents in community development. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to establish the relationship between empowerment and women participation in community development. The study revealed that age bracket 24-29 constituted the majority of respondents who were mainly bachelor degree holders. However, only one PhD holder was identified and half were employed. The majority were single. Regarding level of empowerment, there was averagely a satisfactory control over resources and most respondents owned land. However, freedom of decision on income use was very low. Participation levels were highest in politics; however freedom of choice of candidates in voting was very low. At household level, participation was generally low (average mean=2.4) and most respondents did not take an active role in household activities. In decision making, at least most respondents were members of an administrative committee however, many did not attend meetings. There was no significant difference in levels of empowerment of respondents by demographic factors other than employment status. The study also showed no significant difference in levels of participation of respondents by demographic factors. There was however a significant relationship between empowerment and women participation. Conclusively, the study rejected the first null hypothesis that “there is no significant relationship between empowerment and women participation in community development; and the second null hypothesis that “there is no significant difference in levels of empowerment by demographic factors”. The third null hypothesis; that ‘there is no significant relationship in difference in levels of participation by demographic factors” was accepted. The researcher recommended that; NGOs and CBOs embark on sensitization programs that teach the essence of freedom in relation to development; Faith leaders incorporate aspects of equality into their teachings; Policy makers advocate for policies that directly enhance women economic statuses; and that the government of Uganda, through the concerned ministries, improves the existing education policies while paying more attention to educating more women country wide since education enhances employment opportunities.
Description
A Thesis Dissertation Presented To College of Higher Degrees and Research (CHDR) Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Masters in Development Studies
Keywords
Women in development