GENDER RELATIONS AND WOMEN ADVANCEMENT IN LEADERSHIP POSITIONS AT THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSION IN UGANDA

Abstract

This work presents study findings on Gender Relations and Women Advancement, in Leadership Positions at the Parliamentary Commission in Uganda. The purpose of the study was, to establish the influence of gender relations (roles, biases, patriarchy) on women advancement in leadership positions in the parliamentary commission. In total, 162 respondents were selected from 285 staff members at the parliamentary commission, using both qualitative and quantitative techniques to collect data. Findings reveal that gender roles have a statistically significant effect on, women advancement in leadership positions which means that demands of family, disproportionate gender work burdens and domestication of women, reduce women’s opportunities to advance in leadership positions while gender bias and patriarchy, do not have a statistically significant effect on, women advancement in leadership positions at the parliamentary commission. This is because positions at the parliamentary commission are offered based on academic qualifications, suitability and competency. It was concluded that, women responsibilities should not be domesticated in order to, increase their chances to participate advanced leadership positions. It was further concluded acquisition of more education qualifications, skills and competences lead to, improved women advancement in leadership positions. The study recommends that, Parliament should sensitize women and empower them to embrace leadership. Parliament should make a deliberate policy that, if male directors then, they should be deputized by females and vice versa. The study further recommends that, deliberate efforts both at entry level, affirmative action should be encouraged.