Roles of Media in Promoting Women’s Rights in Uganda: A Case Study of Uganda Broadcasting Corporation - Kampala

 ABSTRACT

The study assessed the roles of media in promoting women’s right in Uganda: A case study of Uganda Broadcasting Corporation. The research was triggered by rampant domestic violence against women which has been widely reported in Uganda. The researcher used a case study research and employed both quantitative research approach using questionnaires to responses and understanding on issues being investigated. The specific objectives of the study were; to assess the roles of media in promoting women’s rights in Uganda; to analyze the impacts of the media in advocating for women’s rights in Uganda and to find out the challenges faced by the media in promoting women’s rights in Uganda. The key findings were that: The role of the media is to disseminate knowledge on women’s rights, innovate by making gender issues in the media programs and that the role of media is the interpretation of knowledge role models. The impact of the media are that it advocates for freedom against domestic violence, access to education, rights to land ownership, as well as custody rights. The major challenges are competition of audiences has become fierce and the quality of reporting has been compromised, there is also political interference which affects accurate reporting. There is lack of press  freedoms where there is criminalization of media offences and intolerance of critical journalists. The policy recommendations were that: monitoring and evaluation to ensure that what is provided for in the constitution is implemented. Without follow up, holding media institutions accountable for its commitments to gender equality is difficult. Associations representing journalists of both genders can also play a role in ensuring gender justice and equity within the media organization by advocating or supporting initiatives and changes in policies and procedures as well as measures and mechanism to ensure elimination of gender based disparities and disadvantages in access, employment and advancement. Finally, the sensitization of media professionals in both public and private sector including those involved in entertainment to gender and other issues my help to tackle the confusing and conflicting signals currently emerging from the media.

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction

This study was about the role of media in promoting women’s rights in Uganda: A case study of Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC). The research was triggered by rampant domestic violence against women which has been widely reported in Uganda. The researcher was therefore desirous and investigated the role of media is sensitizing the community about women’s rights in Uganda. In this chapter, the researcher highlighted the background of the study, the problem statement, and purpose, objectives of the study, research questions, and significance of the study, the scope of the study, conceptual framework and definitions of key terms.