Abstract: This study investigates the employment outcomes, training relevance, and satisfaction levels among graduates of Arusha Technical College (ATC), Tanzania, with a specific focus on the employability of female graduates. Utilizing a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 586 graduates (88% response rate) from the 2022/2023 academic year across various technical and engineering disciplines. Findings reveal significant gender disparities: six months post-graduation, male graduates exhibited higher rates of formal (31.4%) and self-employment (13.6%) compared to females (15.4% formal, 9.6% self-employment). A substantial proportion of female graduates (42.3%) pursued further academic studies, suggesting a strategic response to enhance employability. The study highlights the critical role of practical training, online job platforms, and personal networks in securing employment, predominantly in the public sector. Challenges include limited access to startup capital for self-employed graduates and pedagogical issues within TVET programs. Recommendations emphasize gender-responsive curriculum reform, enhanced industry linkages, targeted entrepreneurial support for women, and improved graduate services to foster more equitable labor market integration for female TVET graduates in Tanzania.

Abstract: Over the years, Tanzania has made great efforts to expand access to adult and lifelong learning through the Institute of Adult Education (IAE). However, it remains unclear how effectively the IAE initiatives meet the real needs of marginalized communities and contribute to greater gender equality. Therefore, this study examines how the IAE has implemented adult and lifelong learning initiatives aimed at supporting marginalized populations and promoting gender equality. It achieved such objective through a mixed-methods approach and the sample size of 196 respondents (adult learners, representatives of genders and marginalized groups, IAE staff members and facilitators, community leaders and partner organization representatives). The data were collected using multiple data collection methods (questionnaire, in-depth interviews, focus group discussion and documentary review). The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The findings reveal that, the IAE initiatives were generally inclusive and gender sensitive (58%); IAE has made some progress with the actual results or outcomes of the adult and lifelong learning initiatives in supporting marginalized groups and gender equality by 61%, but with some key obstacles such as structural obstacles (68%), cultural and social norms (57%), pedagogical challenges (46%), and financial constraints. The four key areas for action of improvement are improving accessibility (68%), promoting inclusive teaching (66%), engaging communities (56%), and increasing resources (65%). By implementing these strategies, IAE can better support marginalized learners and promote gender equality, aligning its programmes with both local needs and global education goals.

Abstract: Women play a critical role in agricultural activities, yet their contributions to household food security are often undervalued and under-supported. Despite their central involvement in food production, women are frequently excluded from key decision-making processes related to agriculture and food security. This study investigated the effect of women’s participation in agriculture on sustainable household food security in Baringo County. The research aimed to explore how women’s involvement in agricultural activities impacts food security outcomes at the household level. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design with a mixed methods approach, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data. A sample of 316 registered members of SMART Agriculture and 6 field officers were selected through random and purposive sampling. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and interviews. The findings revealed that a majority of respondents felt women were not sufficiently involved in decision-making regarding household food security, and there was a noticeable gender disparity in contributions to food production. Despite this, many respondents acknowledged the growing role of women in agricultural activities and their positive impact on household food security. The study’s results indicate a strong positive correlation between women’s participation in agriculture and sustainable food security, as demonstrated by a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.684 (p = 0.000). The study concludes that increasing women’s involvement in agriculture significantly enhances food security outcomes, emphasizing the need for policies that promote gender inclusion in agricultural decision-making and community support for women.

Abstract: The study examines the progress and challenges encountered in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) particularly goal five – Gender Equality, focusing on women’s representation in leadership in a university setting. The study centers on Mountains of the Moon University (MMU), investigating the current status, identifying barriers, and proposing recommendations for advancing women’s participation in leadership roles. We applied interpretivism approach anchored on a case study design. We purposively chose middle and senior women holding or had held leadership positions at MMU. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 16 women in leadership positions at MMU. We thematically analyzed data guided by themes on representation, policy promotion and implementation and outstanding challenges faced. The study reveals a significant underrepresentation of women in top executive roles at MMU, with women holding only about 15% of the university’s executive board positions despite constituting 25% of department heads. Women are more prevalent in humanities and social sciences faculties than in STEM disciplines, reflecting broader gender disparities across academic fields. Institutional policies promoting gender equality exist, but their inconsistent enforcement poses challenges, indicating a need for more robust implementation. Lack of mentorship programs and cultural barriers hinder women’s progress, emphasizing the importance of tailored support mechanisms and inclusive policies for advancing women in leadership roles. The study recommended development and enforcement of robust gender mainstreaming policies across board, mentorship programs, active support for gender equality initiatives and leadership development programs tailored specifically for women.

Abstract: The article examines the association of National gender policy and provision of services by the Uganda Police Force. The researcher used mixed methods research approach for data collection and analysis. A sample of 225 was used from a population of 528 from the different departments, with a response rate of 91.1%. The paper used survey, interview, focus group discussion, observation, and document review methods of research. Respondents were selected using purposive, simple random and quota sampling techniques and Uganda police force was the unit of analysis. It was found out that there was a positive relationship between gender inclusion and effective provision of services in Uganda Police Force. The paper concluded that gender equality in Uganda police force has not been fully effective due to challenges and reluctance in the implementation of the policy which poses a big gap that needs to be filled in order to have balanced service provision by the Uganda police force.

Received September 30, 2020; Revised November 5, 2020; Accepted December 3, 2020

Abstract: Gender equality, which is a vital human right to both gender has become a global concern due to the unequal gender roles and responsibilities existing across world societies. The attainment of this gender equality is challenged by factors such as conflicts, climate change and disasters, migrations, displacement, discriminatory social norms, cultural norms, ineffective legal and institutional frameworks. Such factors cause gender inequalities which prevent women from rights and opportunities as well as making decision concerning their life. Men also are affected in some ways. This qualitative paper endeavored to assess the gender equality situation in Rwanda in the pre-genocide and post genocide era. The review uses content/ literature analysis to explore gender equality situation in various life domains. It is guided by the following study questions: – What is gender equality? How was gender equality in Rwanda during the pre-genocide era? How was/is gender equality in the post- genocide era? What are the current efforts to attain gender equality? What are the current gaps in attaining gender equality in Rwanda? What can be done to attain gender equality in Rwanda? The article finds that during the pre-genocide era, gender inequality existed highly because gender frameworks had not been well established. In postgenocide era, gender frameworks were established and have significantly addressed gender inequalities. In conclusion, gender inequalities exist despite tremendous efforts to reduce them. Recommendations are proposed for effective gender equality attainment in Rwanda.

Received January 12, 2020; Reviewed April 7, 2020; Accepted April 8, 2020

Abstract: In many developing countries, there are challenges facing women when it comes to accessing natural resources. This study investigated Challenges facing women in accessing natural resources in Dodoma rural areas, Tanzania. The study was guided by three objectives which were: identifying challenges hindering rural women’s access to natural resources in Mpwapwa district, identifying challenges that hamper rural women from gaining opportunities over education and finding out useful innovative for natural resources towards education opportunities. The study used a sample size of 30 respondents and was done qualitatively with the use of simple statistical applications. The data were collected through interviews, observations and focus group discussion. The findings revealed that many rural women are often financially dependent on men or do not have access to natural resources. With regard to land access, for instance often women are main users, providers and managers of land yet men have a greater role than women in making decision in what is
produced. As a result, in Dodoma and especially rural areas, women have little access to natural resources and this inadequacy hinders women participation in education. Trainings to gender inequality, less women involvement in natural resource management, building self-esteem and self confidence were found to be useful innovative strategies. The study
recommends that government authorities and other stakeholders should create sensitization programs of gender equality on accessing and control over natural resources.