An Assessment of the Effects of Empowerment on Employment of Women in Jinja Central Division

Abstract

BAINGANA ALEX (2008-M092-20050) An Assessment of the Effects of Empowerment on Employment of Women in Jinja Central Division The purpose of the research was to find out the effects of empowerment on employment of women. The research was carried out in Jinja district. The objectives of the study were: to establish the effects of empowerment programmes on the employment of women; to find out the effects of employment on the livelihoods of women and also find out the challenges faced by women in the quest for employment. The research adopted a case study design and the researcher used both qualitative and quantitative approaches to collect study explanations. The total population study was 60 respondents who included women in employment activities, educated and uneducated, retired or active in service, one District Labour Officer and one District Community Development Officer. The research findings revealed that empowerment of women has been advocated for and attained in Uganda, and as a result, a great role has been played in contributing to women‟s employment at all sectors which include both public and private. It was revealed that women currently contribute almost 50% of the entire Jinja central division population involved in employment. Most women were employed as teachers, nurses, secretaries while others were involved in private businesses mainly in poultry and boutique. The research further revealed that although more women have been absorbed within the employment sectors, some of the women in Jinja central division are still being faced with a number of challenges on the quest for employment. Some of the challenges women face in quest for employment include: corruption, sexual harassment, inferiority complex and low levels of education. In a bid to combat the challenges faced by women in the quest for employment, women suggested the following solutions: that equal employment opportunities should be encouraged by all employment sectors, parliament should implement policies aimed at curbing corrupt officials and also sensitisation over girl child education should be emphasised to reduce challenges of low levels of education. The introduction of women empowerment in Uganda at large, particularly in Jinja central division has yielded positive results regarding employment of women. More women have been absorbed in the employment sector as well improvements within the employment positions. Women have been able to acquire better positions and earn income which caters for their sustainability as well as that of their families. Keywords: Employment of Women, Assessment,Women employment, Jinja