Achieving Sustainable Development Goal Number Five: A Glance at Women Leadership at Mountains of the Moon University, Uganda

Jessica Kabasiita – Mountains of the Moon University, Uganda. P. O. Box 837 Fort Portal;
Email: jessica.kabasiita@mmu.ac.ug; ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8290-426X
Edmond Kagambe – Mountains of the Moon University, Uganda.
Email: edmond.kagambe@mmu.ac.ug; ORCID ID: 0009-0000-5282-5977
Pamela Nizeyimana – Research and Consultancy Manager, National Curriculum Development Centre, Uganda.
Email: nizeyimanapamela@gmail.com
Robert Tomusange – Mountains of the Moon University P. O. Box 837 Fort Portal;
Email: tomusange.robert@mmu.ac.ug, Doctoral Scholar at Beijing Normal University, China.
Maliko Kisembo – Mountains of the Moon University; P. O. Box 837 Fort Portal;
Email: kisembo.maliko@mmu.ac.ug; ORCID ID: 0009-0001-8037-2861
Tawheed Kasiita – Mountains of the Moon University; P. O. Box 837 Fort Portal;
Email: tawheed.kasiita@mmu.ac.ug ORCID ID: 0009-0002-5774-6244

Correspondent Author: jessica.kabasiita@mmu.ac.ug

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.