Lira City | 6th November 2025 — As part of its continued efforts to promote gender equality and strengthen women’s leadership in education, the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) conducted a Gender and Women Empowerment Workshop for female teacher leaders from districts within the Lango Sub-Region at Pauline Hotel, Lira City.
The workshop, funded by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), Canada, focused on enhancing the entrepreneurship and leadership capacities of female educators to enable them to contribute more effectively to quality education. The training also aimed to build confidence, promote gender awareness, and empower women teachers to take up leadership roles within their schools and communities.
The workshop provided an interactive platform for 85 female educators to strengthen their leadership and entrepreneurial capacities—key pillars for ensuring quality education and professional growth.
Opening Session: Leadership and Unity
In his welcome remarks, the Regional Chairperson encouraged participants to embrace the workshop as an opportunity for growth and transformation. He reminded teachers to stay united, especially during moments of industrial action, emphasizing that collective strength and resilience are vital in advancing the teaching profession. He further noted that such trainings are part of UNATU’s broader welfare and capacity-building initiatives for teachers across the country.
Delivering the opening remarks, the General Secretary extended appreciation to all participants and acknowledged ETFO’s commitment to supporting female educators in Uganda. He urged participants to stay calm and united as negotiations on the suspended strike continue. He encouraged the female leaders to become ambassadors of empowerment by sharing the knowledge gained. “Information is not power unless it is shared,” he said, calling on the women to be change agents both in their schools and communities.
Gender Discussions: Breaking Barriers and Building Confidence
The gender session, facilitated by UNATU’s Gender Officer, delved deep into critical conversations on gender roles, equality, and socialization. Participants explored how traditional norms shape perceptions of men and women and discussed strategies for challenging stereotypes that limit opportunities for female educators.
The session highlighted the difference between sex and gender, the importance of empathy in teaching, and the role of educators in creating supportive environments for both learners and colleagues. Teachers were reminded that compassion and understanding are vital tools in guiding students, especially those facing social and emotional challenges.
Discussions also touched on school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV), emphasizing the responsibility of teachers to create safe, inclusive learning spaces. She called on female educators to report cases of SRGBV, study the behavioral changes in their learners but also be change agents and champions fighting SRGBV.
Entrepreneurship and Financial Empowerment
A key component of the workshop focused on entrepreneurship and financial independence. Several women shared their experiences in small business ventures from baking and poultry to agribusiness, demonstrating innovation, persistence, and adaptability. Participants also shared stories of resilience and leadership, including personal accounts of overcoming financial struggles, rebuilding businesses, and balancing professional and family responsibilities. These narratives inspired many, showing that women can lead, succeed, and transform their communities despite obstacles. These stories served as real-life lessons on resilience, resourcefulness, and mentorship, encouraging others to take charge of their financial growth.
Legal Awareness: Understanding Women’s Rights
The UNATU General Secretary facilitated an insightful session on Human Rights, Women’s Rights, and Property Ownership, grounded in the 1995 Constitution of Uganda. He emphasized that the Constitution guarantees equal rights for men and women including equal pay, property ownership, and access to education—and prohibits customs or traditions that discriminate against women.
Participants also learned about marriage and land rights, the importance of writing wills to safeguard property, and retirement benefits for teachers. The General Secretary urged women to be proactive in securing their rights and preparing for life after retirement, encouraging them to “stand firm as educators, mothers, and leaders shaping Uganda’s future.”
Closing Reflections
In her closing remarks, the Host Branch Chairperson from Lira City thanked the facilitators, funders for choosing their sub region, and participants for their active engagement. She offered a prayer of gratitude for the successful completion of the workshop and safe travels for all attendees.
The workshop ended on a high note, with participants expressing renewed confidence, inspiration, and a sense of purpose. Many described the experience as eye-opening and transformative, empowering them to lead with courage and to inspire change in their schools and communities.
