The debate surrounding gender in education continues to spark intense discussions across Uganda. Despite policies aimed at promoting equal opportunities, the country still grapples with significant challenges, including high dropout rates, limited access to education for marginalized groups, and a persistent gap between policy and practice.

In the launch and first session of the People’s Parliament hosted by NTV Uganda in partnership with JMERC, stakeholders from across Uganda gathered to discuss these issues and explore potential solutions. The session, held in Kampala for Central Uganda, brought together teachers, parents, students, civil society organizations, and local leaders—all united in their goal of addressing gender equity in education.

Key Statistics Highlighting the Gender Gap in Education

Dr John Mary Vianney Mitana, highlighted key statistics from the Uganda’s Policy in Education (2016). The statistics reveal the concerning gender disparities in Uganda’s education system:

• Primary school survival rates: 32.5% for girls and 33.1% for boys, with a significant percentage not making it to Primary 7.
• Secondary enrolment rates: 46.9% for girls and 51.1% for boys, with girls lagging behind.
• Completion rates at S.4: 34% for girls and 45% for boys.

These figures underline the need for continued dialogue and action to address the barriers to education for girls and other marginalized groups.

Challenges and Concerns Raised During the Debate

Several pressing challenges and concerns were raised during the debate, including:

• Early Pregnancy and Dropouts: The issues of rape and early pregnancy were highlighted as major contributors to school dropouts among girls. These challenges, often compounded by social and economic pressures, force many young women to leave school, limiting their opportunities for education and personal development.
• Affirmative Action: The practice of adding 1.5 points to girls’ scores in university admissions sparked intense debate. While it aims to address gender disparities in higher education, some argue that it may demotivate boys, raising concerns about the balance between equity and fairness in educational opportunities.
• Exclusion of Boys in Gender Initiatives: A significant concern discussed was the exclusion of boys from many gender-focused education initiatives. While these programs are designed to empower girls, stakeholders emphasized the need for gender-inclusive programs that also address the challenges boys face in the education system.
• Lack of Awareness of Gender Policy Documents: Another challenge highlighted was the lack of awareness about existing gender policy documents among key stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and learners. Without a clear understanding of the policies meant to promote gender equity, it becomes difficult to ensure their effective implementation.
• Weak Enforcement of Existing Policies: Despite the presence of gender policies, weak enforcement was identified as a major barrier to progress. Stakeholders stressed that while policies are in place, they are often not adequately enforced, leaving many of their intended benefits unrealized.
• Lack of Agency Among Girls and Boys: The debate also touched on the lack of agency among both girls and boys, which makes them more vulnerable to challenges like sexual abuse and gender-based violence. Strengthening the agency of both genders in education and social settings is essential for reducing these vulnerabilities.

Looking Ahead: A Rotational Platform for Change

This first session of the People’s Parliament was just the beginning. To ensure that the conversations and solutions generated are representative of Uganda’s diverse regions, future sessions of the People’s Parliament will be organized on a rotational basis across Uganda’s four regions: North, East, West, and Central. This will ensure that all voices, especially those from rural and underserved communities, have a platform to be heard.

Through this People’s Parliament initiative, in partnership with NTV-Uganda, we aim to continue raising awareness and advocating for gender-transformative education, fostering policy alignment with practice, and ultimately ensuring that every child, regardless of gender or background, has the opportunity to succeed.

Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Practice

Building on the discussion of Policy vs. Practice, the Ministry of Education and Sports has introduced policies such as the Gender in Education Policy (2016) and the Gender in Education Strategic Plan, aimed at addressing the challenges faced by marginalized groups in Uganda’s education system. Despite these policy efforts, a significant gap between policy and practice remains. As Hon. Duluga Phillip pointed out during the debate, while the policies align with the needs on the ground, structural challenges hinder their effective implementation.

Proposed Solutions to Close the Gap

To bridge this persistent gap, stakeholders put forward several key solutions, including:

• Increasing Inclusivity: Ensuring that all children—regardless of gender, background, or location—have equal access to quality education.
• Structural Reforms: Addressing design flaws within the education system’s infrastructure, which can impede effective policy execution and fail to meet the needs of marginalized groups.
• Community Engagement: Raising awareness in communities about the importance of education for all children and promoting equal opportunities, particularly for girls and other underserved groups.

A Path Toward Gender Equality in Education

Achieving gender equality in Uganda’s education system is not an easy task—it requires a multifaceted approach. By addressing the root causes of inequality, strengthening policy implementation, and fostering collaboration among all stakeholders, we can move toward a more inclusive and equitable education system.

We invite you to watch the full debate videos  for the First session and Second session to explore these issues in-depth and to join the conversation on how we can collectively shape the future of education in Uganda.

Get Involved and Make a Difference

As we continue to address these critical issues in Uganda’s education system, we invite you to join us in our mission to create a more equitable and inclusive education environment for all. Here’s how you can contribute:

• Partner with Us: Collaborate with JMERC to bring sustainable change in Uganda’s education system. Your partnership can make a tangible difference in the lives of youth, particularly girls, by supporting gender-transformative education initiatives.
• Donate: Your generous contribution will help fund programs that promote gender equity in education, ensure policy enforcement, and tackle challenges like dropout rates, early pregnancy, and sexual abuse. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to a more just education system for all.
• Subscribe to Our Newsletter/Blog: Stay up-to-date with the latest insights, updates, and discussions from JMERC and the People’s Parliament initiative. By subscribing, you’ll be the first to know about upcoming events, new projects, and opportunities to get involved.

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