Assessment of the contribution, barriers and solutions of women participation in local council meetings; case study: Rubaya sub county, kabala - Uganda

Abstract

The study sought to assess the contribution, barriers and solutions of women participation in Local Council Meetings with a case study of Rubaya Sub County, Kabale district. Although women comprise over 50 per cent of the population in many parts including Rubaya Sub County in Kabale Uganda, they continue to be under represented as voters, elected officials and leaders, including at the local level. As a result, women do not have equal influence with men over the policy decisions that affect their lives yet their participation would have a particular influence on local and national development and social issues that affect their families’ daily lives. The Specific Objectives of the Study were, i) to determine the contribution of women in local council meetings in Rubaya Sub County; ii) to inquire about the barriers to women participation in local council meetings in Rubaya Sub County; and iii) to suggest possible ways of increasing women participation in local council meetings. The study was qualitative with Rubaya Sub County as a case study. The researcher used both purposive and snowball non-random sampling of respondents. Data was collected using in-depth interviews with key informants, focus group discussions and reviewing of secondary data especially minutes of council meetings. An assessment of the women participation in Rubaya local council meetings revealed some key documented motions and decisions were moved and / or supported by women. Most notable of the contributions were the decisions to extend piped water and build maternity centers nearer to the people. The barriers faced by women among which was illiteracy, limited family support, religion and the most of it all being the cultural limitation where by women are still hesitant in taking part in decision making because of the cultural background and not confident enough to make decisions in the presence of men. The main suggestion for increasing women participation in council meetings was more training in leadership skills.