Gender Gap Slows Women's Advancement at Makerere University

A preliminary study conducted at Makerere University has highlighted a concerning trend where women’s career progression, both in academic and administrative roles, is significantly slower compared to their male counterparts. The research, part of the three-year Mainstreaming Gender in Higher Education Institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa (Magnetise) project, indicates that while recruitment numbers of men and women at entry-level are nearly equal, men more rapidly ascend to senior positions.

Findings suggest that women are predominantly found in junior academic roles such as lecturers and assistant lecturers. In stark contrast, men dominate senior ranks, including associate professors and full professors, as well as crucial administrative leadership positions. This pattern is particularly pronounced in science-based disciplines, which remain heavily male-dominated, although some growth in senior female representation is noted in the humanities.

Professor James Akwee Acai, the project’s Principal Investigator, expressed concern over the findings, questioning whether the stagnation is due to institutional structures or external social factors. “Our preliminary results show that men seem to grow faster in their careers, whether administrative or academic,” Prof. Acai stated. He noted that while entry-level representation is close to parity, the proportion of men dramatically increases at higher levels, with over 70 percent of top positions held by men.

University officials and gender advocates emphasize the urgency of addressing this gender inequality. Professor Ruth Nsibirano, Director of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies, called for concerted efforts to promote gender equality from the school level upwards, attributing some of the hesitation to place women in top positions to societal resistance to female leadership.

While Makerere University has existing policies aimed at gender equality, such as the Gender Equality Policy (2007) and policies against sexual harassment, the implementation and tracking of these frameworks are being questioned. Professor Acai stressed the need for concrete action plans and measurable indicators to ensure 40 percent female representation in leadership, as mandated by policies. The Magnetise project plans to support capacity building and facilitate exchange programs with European institutions to address these persistent gaps.

Despite acknowledging “significant strides” made by the university in institutionalizing gender equality through bodies like the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, officials recognize that “persistent gaps, biases, and inequalities” remain a critical challenge requiring ongoing attention and intervention.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)