Activists have called on the government to incorporate gender considerations in public policy-making to achieve economic transformation and social sustainability.

The appeal was made during a policy dialogue at Makerere University organized by the College of Business and Management Sciences in collaboration with American University.

Safia Nalule Jjuuko, the Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission, emphasized the importance of gender mainstreaming in social and public policy enactment. 

She highlighted that for Ugandans to fully benefit from government initiatives, gender considerations must be central to policy planning.

“Gender extends beyond male and female. It encompasses various societal groups, including the disabled and the poor. Government institutions must consider these groups to effectively plan for all Ugandans through policies that serve the best interests of all citizens,” Nalule stated.

She added that thorough knowledge of the population is crucial for effective planning.

Dr Joseph Muvawala, the Prime Minister of Busoga Kingdom and Executive Director of the National Planning Authority, reiterated the need for gender to be a fundamental element in all policy endeavors.

“Institutions should establish units dedicated to gender mainstreaming to address societal challenges,” he said.

Muvawala pointed out that addressing gender disparities is essential for social, political, and economic development.

“When examining employment, a gender perspective reveals much about societal progress,” he noted.

He warned that neglecting gender considerations in policy-making risks losing the diverse experiences and realities of individuals.

Dr Anna Ninsiima from the School of Women and Gender Studies at Makerere University identified institutional failures to provide quality services as a major barrier to gender equality. 

She stressed the need to strengthen health, education, and human resource institutions, highlighting that gender dynamics must not be overlooked.

“For instance, girls are dropping out of school due to a lack of sanitary towels,” Dr. Ninsiima said. She also called for the implementation of policies, noting that many remain unexecuted.

Agnes Kisembo, the Programme Specialist at UN Women, said the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) place a strong emphasis on gender equality and the importance of gender mainstreaming in policy making. Specifically, SDG 5: Gender Equality, is dedicated to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.

She urged government to prioritize gender-responsive policies and programs to ensure the full realization of women’s rights and participation in decision-making processes.

Kisembo emphasized the need for collaboration between government, civil society, and other stakeholders to address gender disparities effectively.

David Mpiima, from the School of Gender and Women Studies, Makerere University, emphasized that it is crucial to recognize that gender mainstreaming goes beyond just addressing disparities but also involves promoting equality, equity, and inclusivity in all aspects of society. By understanding the dynamics of power and influence, stakeholders can work towards creating a more equitable and just society for all individuals, regardless of gender.

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) was a significant topic of discussion at the dialogue. 

SSP Irene Adibaa, representing the Uganda Police Force, noted that domestic violence is predominantly reported by women, who often bear the primary caregiving responsibilities for children. 

She acknowledged that men also report cases of domestic violence, albeit less frequently, due to societal norms.