Uganda government launches women empowerment program with German support

The Ugandan government, in partnership with Germany’s Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), has introduced the Women Empowerment for Development (WE4D) program to tackle persistent barriers to women’s economic empowerment. Led by the Ministry of Gender, the initiative aims to support women in advancing their businesses, particularly in the green economy and agriculture sectors, with a focus on eco-friendly and sustainable ventures.

Minister of Gender Betty Amongi emphasized the importance of formalizing women’s businesses, which largely operate informally, by encouraging registration, skill-building, and obtaining necessary credentials. The program’s primary focus is on the agriculture sector and its value chain, aiming to enhance productivity and value addition.

Amongi noted that WE4D should also encourage women to break into traditionally male-dominated sectors, which often offer higher returns. She pledged her full support for the program, ensuring that the targeted women fully benefit from the initiative.

The government has allocated over 40 billion shillings to the WE4D project, demonstrating its commitment to women’s economic empowerment. This significant investment aims to transform the landscape for women in business, particularly in sectors that promise both profitability and sustainability.”