The cultural sector in Uganda encompasses various forms of expression, including film, music, visual art, literature, fashion, and more. However, it remains largely male-dominated. Polly Kamukama, an art and culture analyst, notes that men continue to hold power in terms of creative control, negotiation, and access to resources. The gender gap is evident in various aspects, including employment, compensation, financial support, leadership roles, skills development, and opportunities, with women representing only 25% of the workforce in these domains.
One of the most prevalent gender disparities is the wage gap. Women often receive lower pay than their male counterparts for similar roles, perpetuating the unjust practice of gender-based discrimination. For instance, actress Jackline Katusiime has frequently been paid less than male colleagues for identical roles, facing comments implying that her financial needs are lower due to her gender. Esther Nakaziba, a special effects makeup artist, highlights the presumption that women don’t require adequate compensation. She reveals that many men tend to make the assumption that women do not require equitable compensation, a presumption stemming from the misguided belief that women have fewer financial responsibilities or financial needs. “This deeply ingrained bias further contributes to the existing wage gap and challenges women face in gaining equal recognition and compensation in the cultural sector,” she said.
Women in Uganda’s cultural sector encounter barriers when vying for leadership positions and career advancement. Aisha Namatovu, the president of Pearlwood, believes that the lack of female representation in positions of power within the cultural sector perpetuates a system that can be unwelcoming to women. “The absence of a level playing field in terms of access, opportunities, and representation compounds the hurdles that women face in their quest for leadership and career advanceme