Women’s Land Rights

Improved participation and livelihoods of women and girls in the districts of Nwoya and Lamwo in Uganda.

Directly involved are 450 farmers (405 women and 45 men). Indirectly involved are about 11.250 people, mainly through the developed radio and online activities such as Twitter chats.

In recent years, Uganda has implemented important measures to empower women in various areas. However, there is a big need for action in the equal participation of women in economic life. Although women make up 76% of the Ugandan agricultural sector, they have little access to economic resources, which limits productivity. This is mainly due to patriarchal social norms subordinating women in status; making it difficult for them to access land. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, agricultural production would increase by 20 to 30 % if women had the same access to resources as men. Without land ownership, farmers cannot diversify their crops. Most land disputes have direct impact on physical and economic security of women and are handled by informal justice systems. Many of these systems are dominated by men and apply customary and religious rules and laws. Formal justice systems are inaccessible, making it difficult for women to claim their rights.

• 80 actors in the informal justice system are trained on gender and women's rights and information material is produced
• The interests and responsibilities of women are promoted through an annual conference on land rights, mediation, media and meetings of civil society organisations
• Stakeholders exchange information on progress, obstacles and strategies
• Training on agribusiness, annual information events, peer learning and technical advice improve the productivity and business skills of farmers
• To strengthen gender equality, UWONET staff are encouraged to reflect, a mental health retreat is organised and annual general assemblies are held