UG PhD Research Presented to Uganda’s Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development

PhD candidate Rupankar Dey (Faculty of Spatial Sciences) recently presented findings from his PhD study and collaborative research conducted with colleagues from Makerere University at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in Uganda.

The dissemination session was attended by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary and departmental officers, providing an important platform for dialogue between researchers and policymakers.

The discussion explored how socio-economic dimensions within island settings shape the sexual and reproductive lives of people living with disabilities. Focusing on the intersections of disability, gender, and caregiving support, the study aimed to undersatnd how island contexts influence life choices related to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), while recognizing the agency of people living with disabilities.

The presentation generated constructive discussions on the policy implications of the findings and their relevance for improving support for people with disabilities living in island communities. Ministry representatives expressed interest in using the research to inform future programming and indicated their intention to explore the development of a policy brief as a next step.

The engagement highlights the value of international research collaboration and demonstrates how academic research can contribute to evidence-informed policymaking aimed at advancing the rights and wellbeing of marginalized communities.