Capacity Building and Community Development: A Community Dialogue on Equality in Rural Uganda

Abstract

Community led capacity building applies and uses insights drawn from the community to address community concerns. Consciousness, reflection and sharing are critical steps in capacity building. The process of planning, action and reflection undertaken in this study ensured that an increasing depth of understanding was achieved by the participants. This cross-sectional, exploratory case study was conducted in 2011 in the post-conflict, transitional, developing nation of Uganda; the researchers documented changes in gender roles in courtship, marriage, education, health choices and agriculture. Twenty-one men and women in central Uganda participated in interviews and focus group discussions. The results reveal that women in rural Uganda have increasing decision-making power in the areas of agriculture, use of funds, educational choices for children, and partnerships. Women’s health knowledge is highly valued not only in the family but also in the community. The participants shared that health is predominantly the domain of women, in terms of decision-making, patient care and providing advice. Men do not feel confident in dealing with sick children or family members, and defer to women. Lessons were learnt on the relationship between gender-related decision-making, empowerment and meaningful participation and how these inter-related concepts contribute to community development. As the study progressed, men and women presented opportunities for further capacity building to play a greater role in the family and in community based healthcare.