Mbarara City | 18th August 2025
The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) held a Gender and Women Empowerment Training for female leaders in the Southwestern Region on 18th August 2025 at the Catholic Social Centre, Mbarara City. The training brought together 90 female leaders out of the 105 targeted participants, including Branch Chairpersons, BEC Secretaries for Women Affairs, and Sub-BEC Secretaries for Women Affairs. The training was facilitated by the UNATU Gender Officer, Regional Chairperson, National Chairperson, and the Stanbic Bank Mbarara Branch Manager, with support from the Regional Coordinator.
Opening Remarks
The Regional Chairperson welcomed participants and commended them for their commitment to women’s empowerment. He encouraged them to actively participate, share experiences, and deliberate on real issues affecting schools, teachers, and communities.
The National Chairperson officially opened the training, emphasising UNATU’s commitment to bridging gender gaps within the education system. He defined empowerment as enhancing the spiritual, political, social, and economic strength of women. He urged participants to use the training to empower fellow educators, inspire learners—especially girls—to stay in school, and become agents of positive change in their schools and communities.
Key Training Sessions
1. School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV):
Facilitated by the Gender Officer, this session defined SRGBV as violence and abuse rooted in gender stereotypes, including sexual harassment, corporal punishment, bullying, and psychological abuse. Participants were guided through reporting guidelines, referral pathways, and strategies for supporting survivors confidentially. Teachers were encouraged to “walk the journey” with affected learners, listen empathetically, and champion safe schools for all children.
2. Leadership and Invisible Barriers:
The Gender Officer also led a session on leadership, focusing on how unconscious bias and gender stereotypes undermine women’s leadership opportunities. Discussions addressed challenges such as the “likeability” double standard, assumptions about family roles, micro-aggressions, and lack of female role models. Participants were urged to rise above these barriers and model strong leadership in their schools and communities.
3. Code of Conduct, Leave, and Retirement:
The Regional Chairperson guided participants through the revised Public Standing Orders (2021), covering types of leave (maternity, sabbatical, study leave, and leave without pay) and retirement options (early, mandatory, medical, and marriage grounds). Female educators were encouraged to familiarise themselves with their rights and obligations as professionals.
4. Financial Literacy:
The Stanbic Bank Manager, Mbarara Branch, led a practical session on financial literacy, urging participants to embrace a culture of saving and make informed borrowing decisions. He emphasised the dangers of multiple loans, encouraged investment in unit trusts, treasury bills, and treasury bonds, and advised participants to involve family members in managing businesses. He concluded by encouraging educators to balance work with personal well-being and plan for their families’ future through wills and succession planning.
Conclusion
Participants left equipped with knowledge, confidence, and tools to lead as empowered educators and role models, ready to address gender stereotypes, promote equality, and uplift their communities.This training reaffirmed part of UNATU’s vision of an empowered female educator—confident, informed, and capable of inspiring the next generation while championing safe, inclusive, and equitable education for all.
It’s unfortunate that the Government of Uganda seems to be not Valuing our Teachers.
Why not increasing teachers salary as promised.
I only request the Secretary to be strong and that you should not succum to intimidation.
Even if it means firing squad, die we shall burry you as our HERO.
YOU ARE OUR ONLY HOPE NOW.