Dr. Victoria Ssekitoleko, the former minister of Agriculture, has urged women entrepreneurs to build strong networks and sisterhood with female leaders in order to grow their businesses and influence policy reforms.
Ssekitoleko, a renowned leadership mentor, made the call during a women in business symposium held at Gudiee Leisure Farm.
The symposium, organised with support from DFCU Bank and brought together women and youths who had undergone training in agricultural and livestock skills.
Ssekitoleko said women are often the most affected by government policies but are rarely present when such policies are being formulated.
“Although policies affect women the most, women are often absent when these policies are being made. Women in leadership positions often feel isolated and need strong networks of support,” she said.
“I therefore urge them to reach out to female leaders in their communities and build relationships.”
She explained that strong networks enable women leaders to consult widely, test their ideas and represent their communities more effectively.
Simon Peter Kiwanuka, chief compliance and money laundering control officer at DFCU Bank, challenged men to take a more active role in advancing gender equality.
Kiwanuka said men should act as allies in creating environments where women can thrive at home, in communities and in workplaces.
“Uganda’s strong participation of women in business must now translate into scale, productivity and competitiveness,” he said.
He noted that agriculture remains the backbone of Uganda’s economy and employs the majority of women, girls and youths.
Dr Gudula Basaza, director of Gudiee Leisure Farm, thanked the bank for its long-standing partnership in supporting initiatives that empower women economically.
Basaza said the farm has been at the forefront of equipping women and young people with practical skills through transformative training programmes.
The women who attended the training spent 35 days at the farm acquiring business management, leadership and ICT skills, as well as technical agricultural knowledge.
Participants were trained to formulate and produce their own animal feeds and to manage poultry, piggery and fish farming enterprises.
They also learnt how to add value to products such as chicken, fish and pork, and were introduced to the production of herbs and spices that can be used as condiments to enhance meat products.
The symposium brought together policymakers, development partners, private sector leaders and entrepreneurs to discuss the role of partnerships in advancing women’s economic empowerment.
