Ugandan women urged to enter male-dominated job sectors

Mbarara, Uganda — Women in Uganda are being encouraged to equip themselves with the skills needed to compete for jobs in sectors traditionally dominated by men. The call came during a “Women In Work” event held in Mbarara City, organised by Brighter Monday Uganda and its partners.

The initiative aims to champion female employment and leadership, bringing together women and girls to break down barriers to unemployment.

Mbarara City Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebez delivered a keynote address, urging the women present to actively pursue skills training and seize job opportunities. He also emphasised the importance of gender inclusivity, noting that “we are missing a lot of men in the room” and stressing that men need to be present in such spaces to advocate for women.

Xenia Wachira, Brighter Monday Uganda’s Country Manager, explained that the event was designed to allow successful businesswomen to inspire younger generations.

“We decided to go out of the central region (Kampala) to come to these areas (Mbarara) where there are many people with potential,” Ms Wachira said. “This event was to bring together women entrepreneurs with young people and women looking for employment, discuss their challenges as we make plans for their employment as well as inclusiveness.”

She added that Brighter Monday is also looking to secure more sponsorship to help these women establish successful business ventures that can create more jobs.

Namala Diana, a Town Clerk from Sheema District, praised Brighter Monday for its ongoing free mentorship and career guidance, which she believes has significantly contributed to the growth of female entrepreneurs.

“During this engagement, the young people have been taught proper communication skills, entrepreneurship skills, as well as how to write good Curriculum Vitae (CVs),” Ms Diana stated. “I have been inspired to see that we have women who have succeeded in the business sector and are willing to pass on the knowledge to the young generation.”

Eunice Katushabe Innocent, Gender and Inclusion Associate at Brighter Monday Uganda, called on the government, through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, to formulate policies that protect youth in employment and empower women to own land, a key factor of production in Uganda.

“We are here to discuss women in work, challenges they are facing, but we also want to celebrate because there is a lot they have done in society,” Ms Katushabe said. “We want to draw means and strategies on the challenges they face for a safer working space.” She also urged policymakers to break down barriers preventing women from taking up leadership positions.

Participants at the event raised concerns about increasing cases of sexual harassment in the workplace, a lack of care centres for breastfeeding mothers, and inadequate safe spaces and special care for people with disabilities at work. They urged relevant parties to address these challenges promptly.

The “Women In Work” event brought together 211 participants, the majority of whom were women.