Government Launches Skill Development Initiative for Women in Refugee Districts

In refugee host districts in Northern Uganda, women often face significant challenges in contributing to household income. Many engage in businesses such as tailoring, hairdressing, and other economic activities that provide immediate returns. To support these women, the government has begun enrolling them in a new program aimed at enhancing their skills not only in tailoring and hairdressing but also in soap making and baking. This initiative, Generating Growth Opportunities for Women (GROW), is funded by the World Bank through the Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development, and the Private Sector Foundation. The program is being implemented by the Northern Uganda Women’s Network for Business Development (NUWEBIZ).

Okello Sharon Nagenjwa, the executive director of NUWEBIZ Foundation, is leading this project. Nagenjwa emphasized the importance of providing hands-on training to the beneficiaries, stating, "It is important to equip them with the right skills in their line of business for them to make quality products, which will in turn grow their market for profitability." The GROW project, a Government of Uganda initiative, was created to meet the needs of women entrepreneurs seeking to expand their businesses, maintain self-employment, and create additional jobs. The World Bank has provided a grant for this purpose, which was launched in Kampala in June 2023. This funding is expected to significantly transform the lives of the women and their communities.

In refugee host districts in Northern Uganda, women often face significant challenges in contributing to household income. Many engage in businesses such as tailoring, hairdressing, and other economic activities that provide immediate returns.

To support these women, the government has begun enrolling them in a new program aimed at enhancing their skills not only in tailoring and hairdressing but also in soap making and baking. This initiative, Generating Growth Opportunities for Women (GROW), is funded by the World Bank through the Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development, and the Private Sector Foundation. The program is being implemented by the Northern Uganda Women’s Network for Business Development (NUWEBIZ FOUNDATION Ltd)

Currently, 300 women from refugee-hosting districts such as Lamwo, Arua, and Adjumani are undergoing a three-month training program in Lira City. This training started two weeks ago and includes young single mothers pursuing courses in tailoring. Nagenjwa highlighted the collaborative effort required for the project's success: "The project will not only address the immediate need for economic empowerment among women in refugee host districts but also underscores the importance of collaboration between government, private sector, and non-profit organizations in driving positive change."

By investing in the skills and potential of women, NUWEBIZ Foundation and its partners aim to transform individual lives and build stronger, more resilient communities. Upon completion of the program, a new cohort will be enrolled to ensure a continuous cycle of skill development and opportunity for women in the region. Gertrude Enzia, a participant from Madi-Okollo District in the West Nile Region, shared her experience. Enzia, who began her tailoring career in 2004, used her earnings to achieve economic independence, set up a training center for young girls, and build a residential house. She joined the GROW program to enhance her skills and improve her products. "Though I started tailoring a long time ago, I felt there is something that does not impress my customers. So as I have come here, I know I am going to get more knowledge and when I go back I will impress my customers," Enzia explained.

This initiative, spearheaded by Okello Sharon Nagenjwa, is set to make a substantial impact on the lives of women in Northern Uganda's refugee districts, fostering economic empowerment and community development.

Building Women In Business