Abstract

This chapter aims to examine the socially constructed power relations of women and men associated with the Hope Development Initiative (HDI) in rural communities in the Amolatar district, Northern Uganda. The purpose of this study was to generate a gender theory of female farmers in rural Northern Uganda.

Using the methodology of participative observations, interviews, participation in a symposium and focus group discussion, the author approaches the topic of gender imbalance and power relations. The research focuses on the relatively young discipline of West African feminism, aiming to expand this sparse existing framework with qualitative interviews.

The findings suggest that traditional gender relations seem to be dominant in the Amolatar district, specifically the social dominance of men and the close association of the ideas of womanhood and motherhood. Women are found to be strongly associated with caring and childbearing. Additionally, farming appears to be considered woman’s work, with women being charged with much of the rice farming in Amolatar. Men, on the other hand, seem to be in charge of economics, property, and financial affairs, leading to women being dependent on men. The HDI approach of farming as a business provides women with space and networking opportunities and the chance to contribute economically to the household. The founders of HDI consider this a strategy to transform prevalent gender roles through community building.

The limitations of this research project are the small selection of cases, the possibility of social desirability and the limited command of English presented by the interviewees.

The significance of community building and male involvement for the success of the HDI can be deduced from this research project.