Life experiences and expectations of young women in Uganda

Abstract

This study aims to explore the life experiences and expectations of young women of Busoga in Eastern Uganda. Using qualitative methods, a small group of young women drew, wrote stories and made videos together. The data which emerged from this exercise were analysed alongside the researcher's own observations. Basoga society's main expectation of young women is that they will work in the home. Yet, young women describe very different ideas of what they want from their lives; this includes a desire for access to a good educational experience, and different expectations for family life than cultural norms. They find, however, that there are many barriers to meeting those expectations. The study is important because it acknowledges and forefronts Ugandan young women's life expectations. Typically, development focuses on "outsider" considerations rather than "insider" views and desires. The desires of the marginalised, such as young women in Africa, are a particularly neglected subject. There is a need for continued efforts to explore and include young women's experiences and expectations countering gender inequality and as part of ongoing gender empowerment and sexual health strategies.