Poverty, gender and reproductive justice. A qualitative study among adolescent girls in Western Uganda
Date
2020-02-11Author
Ninsiima, Anna B
Michielsen, Kristien
Kemigisha, Elizabeth
Nyakato, Viola N
Leye, Els
Coene, Gily
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Show full item recordAbstract
Low socio-economic status has been consistently identified as a pri-
mary risk factor for sexual and reproductive health violations affecting
young women. This study shows how poverty interacts with gender
power relations to impact upon adolescent girls’ sexual and repro-
ductive lives in Western Uganda. Qualitative research with 147 partici-
pants was undertaken. This comprised 59 in-depth interviews and 11
focus group discussions with groups of 12–14 year-old young women,
teachers and parents. Data were analysed manually using open and
axial coding, and conclusions were generated inductively. Findings
reveal that young women are restricted in exercising their sexual and
reproductive rights not only by poverty and unequal gender relations,
but also by corruption and poor service provision. In contrast to inter-
ventions using liberal rights-based approaches, we advocate the use
of a ‘marketplace of options’ since access to sexual and reproductive
health services is very limited for poor girls and not evenly distributed.
Moreover, while poverty and unequal gender relations render girls
vulnerable to sexual coercion and violence, the criminal justice system
is often weak, leaving victims powerless. Investment in appropriate
resources and inclusive and affordable access to justice is essential to
advance young women’s sexual and reproductive healt
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