Most significant changes from women’s economic empowerment and pathways from Ugandan women in the agro-value chain

Bibliographic Data

ID21262868
AuthorsJapheth Kwiringira (0000-0002-3323-6613, Kyambogo University, corresponding author), Japheth Nkiriyehe Kwiringira, Grace Esther Amuge (0009-0005-6584-7012, Kyambogo University), David Okimait (0000-0001-9775-4543, Kyambogo University), Elizabeth W Perry (0000-0002-8912-7731, Georgia State University), Deborah Nakalyowa Luggya (Kyambogo University), Alone Isabirye (0000-0003-3871-7632, Kyambogo University), Isabirye Alone, Jude Otim (0000-0003-0695-5636, Kyambogo University), Sumani Ganafa (Kyambogo University), Joseph Rujumba (0000-0002-9485-8790, Makerere University), Henry Zakumumpa (0000-0002-8169-1151, Makerere University), James Mugisha (0000-0003-2084-8693, Kyambogo University)
Year2025
Volume3
Issue1
Publication date2025-11-07
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueDiscover Global Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2731-9687 • E-ISSN: 2731-9687
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1007/s44282-025-00301-6
OpenAlexW4416011426
LanguageEN
References cited32

Traditional evaluation models often rely on predefined indicators set by program designers, limiting the ability to capture emerging and lived outcomes. This study examines the impact of Women’s Economic Empowerment from beneficiaries’ perspectives using the Most Significant Change approach. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted in Kampala and Wakiso, Uganda, utilizing focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and in-depth interviews among adult women who had waned off WEE support, supplemented by a literature review. Thematic analysis identified (5) significant domains of change at the waning of women’s economic empowerment support, including increased responsibility, community respect, improved mental health, stronger family relations, and enhanced confidence and agency. Challenges such as polygamous relationships, competitive dynamics, and the effects of COVID-19 hindered women’s empowerment outcomes. Pathways to significant change were: goal setting, peer and family support, resilience, and self-recognition of progress. Findings suggest that women’s empowerment should not focus solely on economic empowerment but must also address social and political dimensions of power, participation and inclusion. Women valued respect over power. Sustainable empowerment requires the active inclusion of men to mitigate adversarial gender dynamics. These findings reflect the need for inclusive development approaches to attain lasting societal progress

Empowerment · Exploratory research · Focus group · Politics · Qualitative research · Thematic analysis · Women's empowerment · Agricultural Innovations and Practices · Global trade, sustainability, and social impact · Microfinance and Financial Inclusion

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