Abstract:
Promoting gender equality in Uganda's domestic relations is a critical issue that has garnered significant attention in recent years. This abstract highlights the importance of addressing gender disparities within household dynamics, focusing on Uganda as a case study. The objective is to explore the various challenges faced by women in domestic settings and identify potential strategies to promote gender equality. In Uganda, traditional gender roles and societal norms often relegate women to subordinate positions within the household. Women frequently face discrimination and limited decision-making power regarding matters such as marriage, family planning, and resource allocation. This perpetuates gender inequality and hampers women's ability to fully participate in social, economic, and political spheres. To address these challenges, various stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, and civil society organizations, have initiated efforts to promote gender equality in domestic relations. These initiatives encompass legal reforms, awareness campaigns, and educational programs aimed at challenging harmful gender stereotypes and empowering women. Additionally, interventions focusing on economic empowerment, access to healthcare, and social support systems have been implemented to enhance women's overall well-being. Promoting gender equality in domestic relations in Uganda requires a multi-faceted approach that considers the interplay between cultural, economic, and legal factors. It is essential to engage men and boys as allies in this process, emphasizing the benefits of creating more equitable and inclusive households. Moreover, collaboration between various stakeholders, including policymakers, community leaders, and grassroots organizations, is crucial for sustaining long-term change. While progress has been made, significant challenges persist, including deep-rooted social norms, limited resources, and inadequate implementation of existing policies. Overcoming these challenges necessitates continued commitment, advocacy, and investment in gender-responsive initiatives that prioritize women's empowerment, education, and access to resources. Ultimately, promoting gender equality in Uganda's domestic relations is not only a matter of justice and human rights but also a catalyst for sustainable development. By ensuring women's equal participation and decision-making power within households, Uganda can harness its full human potential and foster a more inclusive and prosperous society. International Level: United Nations: The United Nations has played a crucial role in promoting gender equality globally. In 1979, the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which addresses gender-based discrimination in various spheres, including domestic relations. The Convention has been ratified by Uganda in 1985 (UN Women, n.d.). Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: In 1995, the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing resulted in the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This landmark document provides a comprehensive framework for advancing gender equality and women's empowerment, including within domestic relations. It emphasizes the importance of eliminating discriminatory practices and promoting equal rights and responsibilities between women and men (United Nations, 1995). East African Level: East African Community (EAC): The EAC is an intergovernmental organization comprising six member states, including Uganda. Gender equality is a priority within the EAC's regional integration agenda. In 2006, the EAC adopted the Gender Equality and Development Act, which seeks to promote gender equality and eliminate discrimination in various areas, including family and domestic relations (East African Community, 2006). The Constitution of Uganda: Uganda's Constitution, enacted in 1995, provides a legal framework for gender equality. Article 21 prohibits discrimination on grounds of sex, and Article 31 recognizes the rights of women to equal treatment with men in marriage, divorce, and family relations (Government of Uganda, 1995). Domestic Violence Act: In 2010, Uganda passed the Domestic Violence Act, which criminalizes domestic violence and provides protection for victims. The Act recognizes the right to equality in domestic relations and aims to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against women and children (Government of Uganda, 2010). National Gender Policy: Uganda's National Gender Policy, launched in 2007, outlines the government's commitment to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment. It addresses various aspects of domestic relations, including marriage, divorce, inheritance, and property rights, with the aim of enhancing gender equality within families and communities (Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, 2007). Marriage and Divorce Legislation: In Uganda, the Marriage and Divorce Act was enacted in 1904 and has undergone revisions over the years. The Act seeks to protect the rights and interests of women within marriage and divorce proceedings. Amendments have been made to address issues such as marital property rights, spousal maintenance, and grounds for divorce (Mwambutsya, 2016). Uganda Women's Movement: The women's movement in Uganda has played a significant role in advocating for gender equality in domestic relations. Organizations such as the Uganda Women's Network (UWONET) and the Uganda Association of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Uganda) have actively campaigned for legal reforms, awareness raising, and support services for women experiencing gender-based discrimination and violence (UWONET, n.d.; FIDA-Uganda, n.d.). Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pressing issue in domestic relations, and efforts have been made to address it in Uganda. The government, along with civil society organizations, has implemented programs and initiatives to prevent and respond to GBV. The National GBV Prevention and Response Guidelines were developed to provide a comprehensive framework for addressing GBV, including within domestic settings (Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, 2014). Women's Economic Empowerment: Promoting women's economic empowerment is crucial for enhancing gender equality in domestic relations. Uganda has implemented various programs and policies aimed at supporting women's entrepreneurship, access to finance, and economic opportunities. For instance, the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP) provides financial and technical support to women-owned businesses (Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, 2015). Land and Property Rights: Land and property ownership often intersect with domestic relations, and ensuring women's rights in this context is essential. Uganda has made efforts to address gender disparities in land ownership and inheritance. The Land Act of 1998 and subsequent amendments recognize and protect women's land rights, including marital property rights and inheritance (Government of Uganda, 1998)
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