Building on the success of its inaugural edition in 2024, Equity Bank has launched the second edition of Abakyala Ku Ntiiko, a flagship initiative dedicated to empowering women in micro and small-scale businesses.
Held in Kampala under the theme “Accelerating Action for Prosperity in Business,” the event brought together hundreds of women entrepreneurs, financial experts, and industry leaders. The platform aims to enhance financial literacy, provide access to business financing, foster peer mentorship, and promote effective small business management.
Recognizing the crucial role women play in driving economic growth, Abakyala Ku Ntiiko equips women with essential knowledge and resources to help them scale and sustain their businesses. This initiative reaffirms Equity Bank’s commitment to breaking financial barriers and supporting female entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the event, Equity Bank Managing Director Gift Shoko encouraged women entrepreneurs to embrace networking as a tool for business growth. He emphasized that when women are financially empowered, they uplift families and entire communities. Shoko stated that the second edition of Abakyala Ku Ntiiko underscores the bank’s dedication to providing practical solutions that drive real change for women in micro-businesses.
Laura Bahemuka, Head of Micro Segment at Equity Bank, highlighted the challenges many women face in managing their finances, including balancing multiple responsibilities and overcoming systemic barriers like gender discrimination. She introduced Equi-Mama, a tailored financial product designed to support women through personalized financial planning, investment guidance, and insurance coverage. The product includes medical insurance for maternal health, long-term illnesses, permanent disability, and life insurance—critical benefits often out of reach for many women.
Bahemuka explained that financial independence gives women the confidence to make informed decisions while enabling them to support their families and communities. She noted that women juggle multiple responsibilities in business, career, and personal life, yet they still face gender-based obstacles in financial management. The goal of the Equi-Mama program is to bridge that gap through targeted financial literacy programs and specialized financial products.
A highlight of the event was a testimonial panel featuring women who benefited from last year’s program. Jane Nalubowa, a multi-business owner, shared her journey, explaining how she learned to manage her finances better and access affordable credit. As a result, her business has grown, and she now employs more women in her community.
According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), nearly 40% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda are owned by women. These businesses support millions of households, making women a critical force in economic development. Since 2021, Equity Bank has supported over 400,000 women and youth with credit facilities, free financial management training, networking opportunities, peer mentorship, insurance coverage, and unsecured financing.
Under the Equi-Mama credit facility, women are encouraged to save while receiving financial support to grow their businesses. Bahemuka emphasized that financial literacy is now a mandatory component of the bank’s support programs. She noted that simply giving clients money without guiding them on saving, budgeting, and loan management is ineffective, which is why the bank actively participates in training each entrepreneur in financial management.
Following the successful launch in Kampala, Abakyala Ku Ntiiko will expand to other regions, ensuring that more women benefit from this transformative program. Upcoming events will be held in Masaka on March 18, Iganga on March 21, Lira on March 25, and Kiboga on March 28.
