MBARARA:
Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi, has called on women to take advantage of government programs aimed at promoting economic growth and development.
Speaking at a training and orientation session for women entrepreneurs in Mbarara City, Minister Amongi emphasized the government’s commitment to economic and social empowerment of women in Uganda.
The training session, held for the Ankole sub-region, was part of the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity of Women (GROW) project, funded by the World Bank. The project aims to address the various challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, including social, economic, and psychological barriers.
Minister Amongi noted that many women in Uganda face challenges in accessing information on government programs, and urged participants to disseminate information about the GROW project in their constituencies. She emphasized the ministry’s commitment to designing and implementing programs that transform communities and individuals, particularly vulnerable women, children, and youth.
“The government is committed to economic and social empowerment of women in this country,” Minister Amongi said. “We want to see women owning successful businesses, creating jobs, and contributing to the country’s economic growth.”
The GROW project is designed to provide business development services to women entrepreneurs, including training, mentorship, and access to capital. The project aims to reach over 1,000 women entrepreneurs in the Ankole sub-region, and is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy.
Minister Amongi expressed her appreciation for the World Bank’s support, and pledged her ministry’s commitment to the successful implementation of the project. She urged participants to take advantage of this opportunity to grow and expand their businesses, ultimately contributing to a transformed and prosperous Ugandan society.
The training session was attended by over 50 women entrepreneurs from the Ankole sub-region, who expressed their gratitude to the government and the World Bank for the support. They pledged to work together to ensure the success of the project, and to become role models for other women in their communities.
“By empowering women, we empower entire communities,” Minister Amongi added.
The participants, who were drawn from various districts in the Ankole sub-region, underwent training in business management, marketing, and financial literacy. They also received mentorship and coaching from experienced entrepreneurs and business experts.
The GROW project is part of the government’s efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The project is expected to contribute to the reduction of poverty and inequality, and to promote economic growth and development in Uganda.
In her closing remarks, Minister Amongi encouraged the participants to be ambassadors of the GROW project, and to inspire other women to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the project. She also thanked the World Bank and other partners for their support, and pledged to continue working together to promote women’s economic empowerment in Uganda.
The event was attended by various stakeholders, including government officials, representatives of civil society organizations, and business leaders. It was a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
As the participants returned to their respective districts, they were equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to start and grow their own businesses. They were also inspired by the Minister’s call to action, and were determined to make a positive impact in their communities.
The GROW project is a shining example of what can be achieved when governments, international organizations, and civil society work together to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. It is a testament to the power of collective action, and a reminder that together, we can achieve great things.
In conclusion, Minister Amongi’s call to action and the GROW project’s initiatives are a significant step towards empowering women in Uganda. By providing training, mentorship, and access to capital, the project is addressing the specific challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in the country.
The project’s focus on gender equality and women’s empowerment is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is crucial for promoting economic growth and development in Uganda.
The success of the GROW project is a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership between the government, international organizations, and civil society. It serves as a model for other initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in Uganda and beyond.
As Minister Amongi emphasized, empowering women is essential for building a prosperous and transformed society. The GROW project is a vital step towards achieving this goal, and its impact will be felt for generations to come.