Survey: 10% of women harassed in public spaces in Uganda

At least 10 per cent of Ugandan women face sexual harassment in public spaces such as markets and streets, according to a recent survey conducted by Afrobarometer.The survey also found that 14 per cent of women have been denied employment opportunities based on gender. Released on October 3, 2024, at Hotel Africana, the survey explored key issues related to gender equality, education, employment, land rights, and leadership.The survey, conducted by Hatchile Consult Ltd., involved interviews with 2,400 adult citizens between January 16 and February 2, 2024. Gender-based violence emerged as the most pressing issue for women’s rights in Uganda, with respondents emphasizing the need for both government and societal intervention.While 72 per cent of respondents believe it is never justified for a man to use physical force to discipline his wife, nearly half acknowledged that violence against women and girls is common in their communities. Despite 84 per cent of citizens expressing confidence that policetake reports of gender-based violence seriously, 54 per cent of women reported facing criticism, harassment, or shame after reporting such incidents.Additionally, 62 per cent of respondents suggested that gender-based violence should be treated as a private matter to be resolved at home, rather than involving law enforcement. The survey also revealed that 35 per cent of citizens believe girl students frequently encounter discrimination and harassment from teachers, including demands for sexual favours.Additionally, 30 per cent of respondents stated that women commonly experience sexual harassment in public spaces. Francis Kibirige, representing Hatchile Consult Ltd., noted that many Ugandans support equal opportunities in the workplace, with the majority believing that employment should be based on qualifications, not gender.“While the government has made strides in promoting gender equality and child welfare, there is still significant work to be done. Women continue to fall behind men in asset ownership, educational attainment, and full-time employment,” Kibirige said.He further highlighted that most Ugandans reject the notion that men are inherently better political leaders, asserting that women are equally capable of excelling in leadership roles. However, many women running for political office continue to face harassment, criticism, and challenges balancing family and career responsibilities.Former minister of Agriculture Victoria Sekitoleko emphasized the detrimental impact of disempowering women, noting that such actions affect future generations, especially when mothers lack the resources to support their daughters.“We must acknowledge the harsh realities women face, particularly those suffering from gender-based violence,” Sekitoleko said.Sekitoleko called for collaborative efforts between the government, civil society, and the private sector to challenge societal norms that hinder women’s progress.“This is not just about legislation; it’s about transforming culture and social attitudes,” she asserted.She also urged women to improve their literacy and numeracy skills to protect their rights and inheritance, stressing the importance of understanding financial basics even in the age of calculators. Sekitoleko added that the government, in partnership with the private sector and development partners, must ensure that every girl remains in school until the age of 18 and is aware of her rights.“The journey to gender equality is long and filled with challenges, but we cannot afford to stop,” Sekitoleko emphasized. “Women must be given equal opportunities to contribute to and benefit from the country’s economic growth. Without the inclusion of women, Uganda’s economy cannot thrive.”{loadposition inarticle}

At least 10 per cent of Ugandan women face sexual harassment in public spaces such as markets and streets, according to a recent survey conducted by Afrobarometer. The survey also found that 14 per cent of women have been denied employment opportunities based on gender. Released on October 3, 2024, at Hotel Africana, the survey explored key issues related to gender equality, education, employment, land rights, and leadership.

The survey, conducted by Hatchile Consult Ltd., involved interviews with 2,400 adult citizens between January 16 and February 2, 2024. Gender-based violence emerged as the most pressing issue for women’s rights in Uganda, with respondents emphasizing the need for both government and societal intervention.

While 72 per cent of respondents believe it is never justified for a man to use physical force to discipline his wife, nearly half acknowledged that violence against women and girls is common in their communities. Despite 84 per cent of citizens expressing confidence that police take reports of gender-based violence seriously, 54 per cent of women reported facing criticism, harassment, or shame after reporting such incidents. Additionally, 62 per cent of respondents suggested that gender-based violence should be treated as a private matter to be resolved at home, rather than involving law enforcement.

The survey also revealed that 35 per cent of citizens believe girl students frequently encounter discrimination and harassment from teachers, including demands for sexual favours. Additionally, 30 per cent of respondents stated that women commonly experience sexual harassment in public spaces. Francis Kibirige, representing Hatchile Consult Ltd.

, noted that many Ugandans support equal opportunities in the workplace, with the majority believing that employment should be based on qualifications, not gender. “While the government has made strides in promoting gender equality and child welfare, there is still significant work to be done. Women continue to fall behind men in asset ownership, educational attainment, and full-time employment,” Kibirige said.

He further highlighted that most Ugandans reject the notion that men are inherently better political leaders, asserting that women are equally capable of excelling in leadership roles. However, many women running for political office continue to face harassment, criticism, and challenges balancing family and career responsibilities. Former minister of Agriculture Victoria Sekitoleko emphasized the detrimental impact of disempowering women, noting that such actions affect future generations, especially when mothers lack the resources to support their daughters.

“We must acknowledge the harsh realities women face, particularly those suffering from gender-based violence,” Sekitoleko said. Sekitoleko called for collaborative efforts between the government, civil society, and the private sector to challenge societal norms that hinder women’s progress. “This is not just about legislation; it’s about transforming culture and social attitudes,” she asserted.

She also urged women to improve their literacy and numeracy skills to protect their rights and inheritance, stressing the importance of understanding financial basics even in the age of calculators. Sekitoleko added that the government, in partnership with the private sector and development partners, must ensure that every girl remains in school until the age of 18 and is aware of her rights. “The journey to gender equality is long and filled with challenges, but we cannot afford to stop,” Sekitoleko emphasized.

“Women must be given equal opportunities to contribute to and benefit from the country’s economic growth. Without the inclusion of women, Uganda’s economy cannot thrive.”.