U.S. Embassy and SHONA Group’s AWE program empowers women entrepreneurs in Uganda, graduating 99 and transforming lives

BY MOLLY KAMAKUNE

From Fort Portal City, Arua City, and Kampala, the U.S. Embassy collaborated with Shona last week, on 9th February, to host the 7th graduation ceremony of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE). The event took place at the circular hub, where 99 female Ugandans were presented with certificates.

Among the graduates were 30 entrepreneurs from Fort Portal City who underwent training to acquire the skills necessary for establishing and expanding their businesses.

This included learning how to raise capital and effectively network with other successful business owners. The program, spanning six months, aimed to equip participants with the knowledge needed to thrive in the business world.

The AWE program was initiated in 2019 by the United States to bolster the economic contributions of women globally. Uganda is among over 80 countries participating in AWE, receiving educational resources for women entrepreneurs.

The program involves guided training and engagement with local business leaders to ensure the growth and success of small businesses. Since its launch in Uganda, the AWE program has seen a total of 1,500 women graduate, gaining significant relevance.

The AWE program provides women with essential entrepreneurial skills, resources, and networks required to initiate and expand successful businesses. The curriculum is based on Dream Builder, an online platform developed through a partnership between Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management.

This initiative aligns with the broader objectives of the Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative (W-GDP), led by the White House. The aim is to empower women globally, enabling them to realize their economic potential for the betterment of global stability, security, and prosperity.

Mr Joachim Ewechu, SHONA Group co-founder and CEO, expressed, “The AWE program stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for women entrepreneurs in Uganda. By investing in their growth, we contribute to the economic development of Uganda, positively impacting livelihoods in our communities. Our commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs remains unwavering, and we eagerly anticipate future collaborations with the U.S. Embassy in Uganda.”

Speaking on behalf of the U.S. mission at the U.S. Embassy, the implementer of the AWE programs in Uganda said since 2019, two programs have been running in Fort Portal City, with the inaugural graduation taking place in 2022.

Ms Samantha Namara, the leader of the female funder’s program at Shona Uganda, remarked, “It’s a significant achievement to witness empowered women succeeding in their daily lives and evolving into influential leaders not only in their homes but globally. This contrasts with traditional expectations where women were limited to domestic roles, and now they are successfully managing their homes, taking care of their children, and excelling in their businesses.”

She added, “In Fort Portal City, 16 women graduated in cohort 3 as the first program we had in 2022. Today, in the second program, we have had 23 women graduate from Fort Portal. Our main goal is to witness a growing number of women in business in Uganda, and these training sessions are here to equip women with the skills to grow their businesses, with support from the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs.”

“For societies to thrive, women and girls must be able to participate fully in their communities socially, economically, and politically. Investing in women’s economic empowerment sets a direct path towards gender equality, poverty eradication, and inclusive economic growth,” she emphasized.

Ms Kajumba Fatia, owner of Chris We Events, expressed how the program has significantly helped her scale her business, improve organizational record-keeping, and separate business matters from personal issues.

“Handling decorations and bridal wear rentals, I have expanded my business from a stationary stop center to the field with smart marketing strategies. I increased the number of employees, empowering fellow women to lead better lives with the skills acquired from this program. Every woman in business needs this training for self-esteem, and it has further boosted my confidence to face the competitive world,” She said.

Ms Daphine Komugisha, one of the graduates, shared how the program has been instrumental in identifying the real market for products and expanding demand. “I have not only graduated with documents and skills today, but as a farmer, I have transitioned from merely selling maize to producers. I have also managed to purchase my milling machine, which will help me broaden my market to the maize flour market, poultry feeds, and beyond. I have learned how to manage my farm and workers,” she said.