The Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) and Mastercard Foundation recently hosted the second annual Women’s Day Katale 2023 event at the UMA Multi-purpose Hall. The two-day event was designed to empower women and girl entrepreneurs and recognize their contributions and potential as entrepreneurs.
The event featured a range of business clinics facilitated by industry experts and focused on various topics such as business planning, financial management, marketing, and customer service. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in the One-Stop-Centre facilitated by URA, URSB, UNBS, and Opportunity Bank which offered financial skills, business development, tax education, access to finance, and business registration among other services.
Other clinics included the Beauty Clinic facilitated by Movit Uganda, The Boss Babe Business clinic facilitated by Claire Muhire, the Creative Business Clinic facilitated by Zeus the Agency, and the Tech Clinic facilitated by SafeBoda. Each clinic provided unique insights and resources to help attendees improve their business operations.
During the opening ceremony, Ms. Minsa Kabanda, the Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan, highlighted the challenges that women entrepreneurs still face despite progress being made towards gender equality in business. She pledged to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to develop and implement policies and initiatives that encourage the expansion and development of enterprises owned by women and girls.
PSFU CEO, Mr. Stephen Asiimwe, emphasized the importance of empowering women entrepreneurs, stating that it not only benefits individuals but also contributes to the growth and development of the economy as a whole.
Over 250 women and girl entrepreneurs showcased their businesses at the Women’s Day Katale 2023 event. The exhibitors alluded to the opportunity provided to showcase their businesses, network, access the market, and acquire other skills such as financial management, marketing, tax education, and leadership skills among others.
PSFU intends to make the Katale event regional and more digital beginning in western, northern, and eastern Uganda. They are also conceptualizing a digital women entrepreneurs’ marketplace that is always open, providing more opportunities for women and girl entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses.
Overall, the Women’s Day Katale 2023 event provided a platform for dialogue and collaboration towards achieving gender equality in business. The event not only empowered women and girl entrepreneurs but also highlighted the importance of supporting and enabling them to reach their full potential.
