Topic:
The impact of Family Planning utilization on Women’s Economic Empowerment in Uganda. A case of Breaking Barriers to access to SRHR services (Bergstrom) project in Busia, Tororo and Butalejja districts in the Bukedi Region, Eastern Uganda
1. Background
Family planning is a critical component of reproductive health and has significant implications for women’s empowerment and economic well-being. In Uganda, and specifically in the Bukedi region, access to and utilization of family planning services remains a challenge due to various cultural, socio-economic, and systemic factors.
Understanding the link between family planning and women’s economic empowerment in this context is essential to inform policy and programmatic interventions.
RHU is implementing the BBA project in Tororo, Butalejja and Busia districts (2017-to date) with a focus on breaking barriers to access to priority modern contraception and SRHR services, among women, girls, youth the poor, PWD in hard to reach underserved communities.
This is attained through integrated SRHR information and service delivery, social behavioral change interventions like dialogues, radio and use of VHTs, and health systems strengthening through equipment of facilities, commodity security, health workforce capacity building, quality and data systems improvement, performance review meetings; and private – public partnership.
Its from this background that RHU seeks to conduct a study to establish the impact of the project family planning interventions on economic empowerment of women in Bukedi region.
2. Objectives of the Study
Overall Objective:
To assess the impact of family planning utilization on women’s economic empowerment in the Bukedi region of Uganda.
Specific Objectives:
- To establish the level of utilization of family planning services among women in the Bukedi region
- To assess the economic status and livelihood opportunities of women who utilize family
- To explore women’s perceptions of how family planning has influenced their economic decision- making, employment, and income levels
- To identify barriers to family planning utilization among women in Bukedi region
3. Scope of the Study
- Geographic Coverage: The study will focus on Bergstrom project districts in the Bukedi region (Tororo, Busia, Butalejja).
- Target Population: Women of reproductive age (15–49 years), both users and non-users of family planning services, community leaders, health workers, VHTs and district local government officials.
- Time Frame: The study is expected to be completed within 3 months from the date of
4. Methodology
The study will employ a mixed-methods approach:
- Quantitative Methods: Structured household and facility surveys to collect data on family planning utilization, income levels, employment status, and household economic indicators.
- Qualitative Methods: Focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) to gather in-depth insights into perceptions, experiences, and social norms.
- Data Analysis: Statistical analysis of quantitative data and thematic analysis of qualitative
5. Key Deliverables
- Inception report with detailed methodology, work plan and budget
- Data collection tools and the data base
- Ethical clearance documentation
- Draft report presenting preliminary findings
- Conduct validation meetings with key stakeholders
- Final report including analysis, conclusions, and actionable
- PowerPoint presentation summarizing key findings
- Presentation of report findings during strategic dissemination fora
- Support the publication process of the study report
6. Expected Outcomes
- A better understanding of the relationship between family planning and women’s economic empowerment in Bukedi sub region
- Evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, academia, NGOs, and health service providers to improve family planning programs in Uganda
- Identification of context-specific interventions that enhance women’s access to economic opportunities through reproductive health planning
7. Timeframe and Milestones
Three months upon signing of the assignment contract
Qualification and Experience of the Consultant
The ideal consultant shall be selected based on the technical and financial proposals submitted. The following are the minimum requirements for the consultant:
A minimum of a master’s degree in one or more of the following fields:
-
- Public Health
- Development Studies
- Gender and Women’s Studies
- Economics
- Social Sciences
- Population Studies
Professional Experience:
- At least 5 years of experience in conducting social or public health research, preferably in Uganda or similar contexts
- Demonstrated experience in designing and executing mixed-methods studies, including both quantitative and qualitative methodologies
- Proven track record of evaluating or researching family planning, reproductive health, gender, or economic empowerment programs
- Experience working with international development organizations, NGOs, and government stakeholders
- Strong understanding of the socio-cultural dynamics of the Bukedi region or similar rural regions in Uganda
Deadline for applications: Friday, June 13, 2025
How to respond
Submit your expression of interest to the following address:
To:
Executive Director
Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU)
Plot 2 Katego Road, Kamwokya
Email: jchekweko@rhu.or.ug
Copy to:
Dr. Simon Peter Lugoloobi
Service Delivery Manager
Email: slugoloobi@rhu.or.ug
Edward Kiggundu
Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator
Email: ekiggundu@rhu.or.ug
