The Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) and UN Women Uganda have unveiled gender statistics training policy advocacy and training manuals for Uganda. These are expected to guide on how gender data is obtained, processed, and used to inform interventions. The unveiling event at Skyz Naguru Hotel in Kampala this month was graced by the Minister of State for Gender and Culture Hon Peace Mutuuzo and the UN Women Country Representative Dr Paulina Chiwangu.
In the keynote speech, Minister Mutuuzo expressed pleasure for the unveiling of the manuals, noting that “much of the work in decision making relies on data” but much of that is now outdated. She added: “Gender statistics play a very indispensable role informing policy makers to shift development programmes and accelerate action for gender equality…”
Gender statistics and indicators integrate a gender side in the collection, analysis, and presentation of statistical data. They measure gender gaps based on agreed indicators that are relevant to the lives of women and men. Minister Mutuuzo noted that there were noticeable backlashes on advocacy efforts for gender-sensitive interventions. She said some people fail to accept the basics that women just need equal opportunities.
“The only equaliser that we have will be data that will speak. When you speak with words without data, you do not make [sense]. Data speaks for itself,” she said. “Data is power. But even more importantly, the right data—disaggregated by sex and analysed through a gender lens—is the foundation for inclusive and effective policymaking.”
On her part, the UN Women country representative Dr. Chiwangu said the launch of advocacy training manuals marked a significant milestone in our on-going effort to promote evidence-based programmes for gender equality empowerment in Uganda.
Report: Embedding Gender Statistics in Decision Making in Uganda: A Facilitator’s Guide
“What gets measured, gets done! Without gender statistics, inequality remains invisible. Without data, women contributions, needs, and challenges are often overlooked in policies and programmes. Gender statistics are not just numbers. They are a powerful tool that shapes and informs decisions and drives change,” she said.
Dr Helen Nviiri, the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) principal statistician, while representing the executive director, said Uganda has made great strides in integrating gender statistics into national planning, thanks to collaborative efforts among responsible agencies including UBOS, govt ministries development partners and civil society. “Despite these gains, gaps remain in the production, accessibility, and application of gender statistics in policymaking,” she observed.
Dr Ibrahim Kasirye, EPRC Director of Research, represented Executive Director, said “Data – especially gender data – tells the story behind the headlines. It highlights who is left behind, where they are, and why they are excluded. Without this evidence, our policies, plans, and programs risk being blind to the unique needs, constraints, and opportunities experienced by distinct groups in our population.” The gender statistics policy advocacy training manuals were developed by EPRC with support from UN Women. Different stakeholders from the academia, civil society, government, cultural and religious leaders were consulted.
Mentorship programme
At the same event, a six-month mentorship programme in gender statistics was launched to train and mentor ambassadors from different organisations in the collection, analysis and presentation of gender sensitive data. “This initiative will create a sustained platform for nurturing a community of practice among gender data users and advocates,” said Dr. Kasirye. “Through mentorship, we aim to foster peer learning, experience sharing, and firsthand capacity strengthening, ensuring that gender statistics are not only understood but also effectively applied in policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation.”
Significance of gender statistics
- Inform the policymaking process and ensure that interventions respond to the needs and priorities of both women and men.
- They measure changes in the relations between women and men over time.
- They help in monitoring and evaluation of the implementation and outcomes of policies and programmes.