The Untapped Resource: Engaging Men in SupportingWomen in Business in Uganda

Abstract

Worldwide there is increasing acknowledgment of the importance of engaging men in the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment. Drawing on an action research that engaged men in supporting rural women in business, the article examines the extent to which involving men in projects focused on increasing women’s economic empowerment shifts attitudes and gender dynamics that inhibit women’s success in business. The findings show that the intervention led to more collaboration and accountability within the households, and women felt more respected as entrepreneurs and better able to make their businesses a success. Further, the findings illustrate the need for involving men in programmes that empower women with the aim of getting “buy-in” to sustain the benefits of the programmes.