GENDER EQUITY: EXAMINATION OF THE LAW RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN IN UGANDA

Abstract

The main aim of this study is to find out how the existing legislation can adequately address the challenge of gender inequality in employment of women in Uganda. The violations of women’s employment rights originate in the virtually universal history of unequal power relations between men and women. The findings of the study are that the existing regulatory framework on employment in Uganda though adequate, its enforcement is still a challenge. Major emphasis has been directed towards the use of gender-neutral non-sexist language whereas other factors that interfere with the regime have remained unchanged. The study further makes significant findings that gender inequality in the workplace takes many forms namely; denial of maternity leave, unequal pay, wrongful dismissal, denial of maternity leave, discrimination at work, sexual harassment, among others. The denial of such rights perpetuates gender inequality in the field of employment. The study makes relevant recommendations namely; strategic litigation, enforcement of existing laws, affirmative action, mainstreaming gender in employment sector and reform of traditional beliefs among others.