Analysis of gender dimensions in education, employment and income in Uganda using UNHS 2019/2020

Abstract

Policies that promote gender equity in education levels, employment rates, and income statuses have become very popular over the years and a narrative of almost achieving gender equity in these three pillars of the economy has been pushed though a lot of anecdotal evidence suggests that the policies were not working as well they were painted to. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze gender dimensions in these three areas to analyze the effectiveness of the policies especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic using secondary data of the UNHS 2019/20 acquired from UBOS. The study found that across the board, that is to say at home, at work and at school females were at a steeply higher disadvantage than men and tended to have less income, less literacy rates and education levels, less employment proportions and less representation in paid work than their male counterparts. The study also showed that females were more disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic than males. In some instances policies which ensured males didn’t have a changed quality of life due to the pandemic did not protect women and it was highlighted how their quality of life dropped. A more critical and honest look at the current gendered policies by all stakeholders was recommended to ensure gender equity across various economic classes.