In Uganda’s greater Mukono and Busoga regions, gender inequality remains a pervasive issue, particularly in rural communities where traditional norms limit women’s access to services, employment, and financial resources. The Foundation for Sustainable Community-Based Development women empowerment program is actively working to empower women in these regions by addressing the structural and cultural barriers that impede their progress, through targeted interventions that focus on economic empowerment, financial inclusion, and community leadership, fostering resilience and sustainable livelihoods for women, transforming both individual lives and entire communities.
Addressing Social Norms and Cultural Barriers
The entrenched social norms in the greater Mukono and Busoga regions often assign women subordinate roles, limiting their participation in decision-making processes and their ability to pursue education or employment. These deeply rooted cultural beliefs continue to hold many women back, reinforcing gender inequality at multiple levels.
Through the women empowerment program, we aim to tackle these barriers head-on by promoting gender-sensitive dialogue within communities. Through workshops, public forums, and women-led initiatives, we encourage community members to reflect on and challenge the stereotypes that marginalize women. We also aim to create safe spaces for women to share their experiences and take on leadership roles. This ensures that women’s voices are heard and valued in every aspect of community development.
Economic Empowerment Through Employment and Entrepreneurship
With limited access to formal employment for women, particularly in rural areas where opportunities are scarce, we emphasize our focus on economic empowerment by supporting women in gaining skills that can unlock income-generating activities. This includes vocational training, agricultural programs, and capacity-building workshops tailored to local market demands.
We also promote female entrepreneurship, encouraging women to start small businesses in industries like agribusiness, crafts, and retail. By providing women with the tools and knowledge to navigate local markets, the program ensures that they can create sustainable businesses that contribute to household income and community development. This in turn will enable women to increasingly step into non-traditional roles, from small-scale farmers to entrepreneurs, further dismantling stereotypes and inspiring other women to pursue financial independence.