The Gender and Women Empowerment workshop for female leaders in the Western Region kicked off on the 17th of August, 2024, at Fort Breeze Hotel in Fort Portal City. The workshop, running from the 17th to the 18th, aims to enhance the entrepreneurship and leadership capacity of female educators for quality education. The event saw the attendance of 80 female branch leaders from across the region, along with notable figures including the National Chairperson, National Treasurer, National Secretary for Women Affairs, the National representative for Teacher Education, the Western Regional Chairperson and several other regional and branch leaders.
Objectives of the Workshop:
- To empower female leaders with knowledge on gender awareness.
- To promote girls’ education as a crucial part of efforts to create gender equality in Uganda’s education system.
Key Highlights:
Western Regional Chairperson, David Mugenyi, welcomed the attendees and emphasised the importance of the workshop in empowering female educators. He hinted on the Simameni project, targeting girls in the secondary sub-sector, and encouraged female leaders to be resilient and stand for leadership roles.“I want to ask you ladies to stand for leadership now that this is your time.” He said
Secretary for Women Affairs, Nabirye Teddy, shared her journey from a school representative to her current role, inspired by the former General Secretary Teopista Birungi. She urged the female educators to keep striving for higher leadership positions and recognized the efforts of female educators in the post-primary sub-sections.“Keep the fire burning.” She emphasized
The National Treasurer, Ssali John, provided updates on various union activities, including youth workshops, ICT training, and the upcoming World Teachers Day celebrations. He discussed the triple role of women—care, production, and social/cultural—and called for support among female educators. He assured participants of ongoing efforts for salary enhancement and urged them to stay calm and await further communication.“A female has a triple role: Care, production role with an aspect of finances, and a social role which includes culture.”
The National Chairperson, Tumuhimbise Zadock, emphasised the workshop’s theme of “Enhancing Entrepreneurship and Leadership Capacity of Female Educators for Quality Education.” He expressed gratitude to participants, organizers, and strategic partners, highlighting UNATU’s Gender and Women Empowerment strategy launched in 2012. He stressed the importance of empowering female educators spiritually, politically, socially, and economically.“It is important that women are informed about their rights, pursue leadership roles, and engage in income-generating activities.”
Workshop Overview by Aja Joan:
UNATU Gender Officer, Aja Joan, began with an encouraging note, urging the women to be bold and stand for what they believe in. “Just do it!” she started
She provided a presentation on gender concepts and stereotypes, helping female educators differentiate between gender and sex and understand how gender is shaped by society. The participants later engaged in group sessions to discuss their inspirations, market opportunities, and business challenges under a ssession of entrepreneurship. One of the highlights included a session on making reusable sanitary pads and best practices surrounding menstrual hygiene management. “Teach the girls how to wash and bathe properly.” She encouraged
Closing Remarks
In her closing remarks for the day, Nabirye Teddy returned to emphasize the importance of embracing ICT and standing as strong leaders. She encouraged the teachers to appreciate the opportunity and share the workshop’s messages for the union’s greater good. “For those that got an opportunity to get here, they should be appreciative of the experience and share the message of the intention of the good of the union.” She said
Thanks for such kind of trainings, how i wish ,it should be organised in all the branches. Because we are the nation is.
This is great next time I request to be among the empowered time because I am also a teacher,teach for Uganda cohort 6 fellow, and a member who is fully trained under cohort 2/24 global girls education .