The Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) has prepared tailored business clinics and individual interactions with experts to equip women with invaluable knowledge and skills essential for business success and growth during the third season of the Women’s Day Katale.
This was revealed by Daniel Kazibwe (popularly known as Ragga Dee), a board member representing the Arts, Culture & Creative sector, who represented Humphrey Nzeyi, the Chairperson of the PSFU Board, while addressing a press conference in Jinja City on Wednesday.
The event is scheduled to commence this Friday, March 15, and run through to March 17th at the Dam Waters Rugby Ground in Jinja.
Running under the theme for this season is “Bridging Economic Divides for Women’s Prosperity”, Women’s Day Katale is supported by Young Africa Works (YAW) Lead Firm Structure program that is implemented in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
Kazibwe expressed confidence that the Women’s Day Katale 2024 would empower hundreds of women with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive and bridge the economic gap for women in Uganda.
“Investing in women is not only the right thing to do but also a critical step for our economic development. Business clinics will provide insights on grant applications and participation in government procurement,” he said.
He said empowering women will ensure a brighter future for all because the Katale is a powerful platform for women entrepreneurs.
“The third edition promises to be bigger and better than ever before with the Busoga Kingdom queen Inhebantu Jovia Mutesi whose leadership and influence will inspire women across the region.”
Speaking at the same event, Katali Loy, District Woman Representative of Jinja District, encouraged women to participate, noting the importance of acquiring entrepreneurial skills to support their businesses and families.
“This event marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards creating an environment where women can grow without hindrances. PSFU will provide further support to some of the participating women to support their businesses. Let us make this Katale a resounding success,” she said.
When asked about the possible benefits women will accrue from this edition, Katali said they will get knowledge and be able to sell their products.
“Women have been trying to come up with businesses in this district but lack financial resources. Most of them would like to grow but they don’t have financial support,” she noted.
She added: “Those who are able to produce, lack a market for their products, for example, those working in crafts and those making porridge for babies.”
On her part, Fazira Kawuma, the Deputy Mayor of Jinja City, said they are ready to host the event and urged women to seize the opportunity to boost their businesses.
“I urge women to actively engage in economic activities. This is crucial for our economic development, considering our region has had persistent challenges of poverty,” she said.
“As women, we possess the capacity to engage in various economic endeavours and improve our financial status. Leveraging our planning abilities and innovative ideas, we can form groups to benefit from such programs,” she said.
Apollo Muyanja Mbazzira, the PSFU Lead Firm Structure (LFS) Project Director, said that the Women’s Day Katale aims to give an opportunity to women to learn and grow.
Muyanja said other Katale benefits include; meaningful connections with other accomplished women entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry experts, fostering collaboration and professional development.
The Women’s Day Katale offers numerous advantages for participating women entrepreneurs, providing them with a platform to showcase their products and services to a diverse audience, thus expanding their market reach and visibility.
The third annual event builds upon the successes of the previous editions held in 2022 and 2023. The Women’s Day Katale debuted in Luwero district in 2022, attracting over 100 women-founded and women-led businesses.
The second edition, hosted in Kampala in 2023, saw the participation of more than 250 women enterprises, who not only showcased their products but also acquired business management skills and delved into corporate governance.
