Odongo, Innocent (2025) Examining the Impact of Electoral Gender Bias on Women's Participation in Political Leadership: A Case Study of Oyam South County in Northern Uganda. Masters thesis, Hekima University College.
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Abstract
This study examined the impact of gender bias electoral systems on women's participation in politics in Oyam South County. It used mixed methods to gather quantitative data from 90 respondents and qualitative data from 30 through key informant interviews and focus groups. Results show high local participation but low representation at higher levels; 94% of women are involved in village politics, while only 20% participate at the district level. Effective government initiatives included sensitisation campaigns (35%), mobilisation (21%), and promoting community cooperation (21%). Major obstacles for women comprised limited operational funds (25%), negative community attitudes (15%), gender discrimination (14%), low academic qualifications (13%), and lack of transport (11%), all of which restrict their community engagement. Gender bias in Oyam's electoral system hinders participation, with 46% of respondents believing that it limits women in leadership roles and 41% feeling that women are significantly affected. Key barriers included violence and harassment, limited access to campaign funds, voter bias, traditional roles, and frustration among communities over unresponsive female leaders. The study concludes that women mainly occupy local political positions and face gender bias that hinders access to higher leadership roles. It recommends a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to address financial and institutional barriers to women's participation. The findings provide policymakers, civil society, gender advocates, and local governments with frameworks to develop inclusive electoral reforms and programs that promote women’s political leadership in Uganda and similar contexts.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | J Political Science > J General legislative and executive papers J Political Science > JA Political science (General) J Political Science > JZ International relations |
| Divisions: | Africana |
| Depositing User: | Unnamed user with email ict.admin@jhia.ac.ke |
| Date Deposited: | 05 Feb 2026 13:48 |
| Last Modified: | 05 Feb 2026 13:48 |
| URI: | http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/id/eprint/10025 |
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