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We will conduct a scoping review to examine the evidence base and evidence gaps on women’s groups in Uganda. Specifically, we will appraise the evidence base on the impact, cost-effectiveness, and implementation of women’s groups in Uganda to understand both the evidence that exists and the evidence gaps that remain. In addition, we aim to gather some preliminary evidence on the evidence base related to the pathways through which women’s groups can achieve their objectives.

The scoping review will include evidence on a broad range of women’s group types. A women’s group is defined as a group of women who come together to take part in joint activities around a common purpose, such as savings, livelihoods, or health. Although savings and other microfinance groups are the most prominent women’s groups in Uganda, Ugandans also participate in various other women’s groups that follow many different implementation models, primarily with a focus on health and agriculture. The scoping review aims to examine the following research questions:

  1. What is the available evidence on the characteristics (e.g., eligibility, size, and governance arrangements) of women’s groups in Uganda?
  2. What is the available evidence on the implementation of women’s groups, and interventions implemented through women’s groups, in Uganda?
  3. What is the available evidence on the impact of women’s groups, and interventions implemented through women’s groups, in Uganda?
  4. What is the available evidence on the costs and cost-effectiveness of women’s groups in Uganda?
  5. What is the available evidence on the pathways through which women’s groups in Uganda may achieve improvements in economic outcomes, women’s empowerment, and health outcomes?

The scoping review will be led by Dr. Thomas de Hoop at American Institutes for Research, Dr. Tabitha Mulyampiti at the School for Women and Gender Studies at Makerere University, Dr. Ekwaro Obuku at the Africa Centre for Systematic Reviews and Knowledge Translation at Makerere University, and Dr. Howard White at the Campbell Collaboration.

View Scoping Review Protocol

Women's group singing

©Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation/Joan Sullivan

Status: Ongoing Work