As the world celebrates Women’s Month, MTN Uganda’s Senior Manager for Supply Chain Logistics, Sharon Nyaika, paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Paulina Chiwangu, the UN Women Representative in Uganda.
The visit was a gesture of appreciation for UN Women’s relentless efforts in advancing gender equality and empowering women across various sectors in Uganda.
Central to their discussion was the remarkable success of the Advancing Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) initiative, a collaborative project between MTN Uganda and UN Women. Launched with the aim of integrating more women into MTN’s supply chain, the program has yielded transformative results. Before the inception of AWE, women suppliers to MTN Uganda constituted a mere 3%. Within just one year, this figure has impressively surged to 14%, with imminent future growth, demonstrating the program’s tangible impact in fostering women’s economic participation.
Sharon Nyaika lauded UN Women’s commitment to driving gender-inclusive growth, particularly through AWE, stating: “We deeply appreciate the unwavering support of UN Women in ensuring women entrepreneurs are equipped with the necessary skills and opportunities to thrive in business. The increase in women suppliers to MTN Uganda is a clear testament to the effectiveness of this partnership. Women empowerment is not just a moral obligation but an economic imperative, and together, we can build an inclusive business environment.”
Dr. Paulina Chiwangu acknowledged the gains made in the women empowerment movement over the years and emphasized the importance of continued partnerships in fostering gender equality. “The progress we see today is a result of the collective efforts of organizations committed to empowering women. While challenges persist, we are encouraged by the gains made, and with continued collaboration from partners like MTN Uganda, we are optimistic about a future where women have equal opportunities to excel in business and leadership,” she remarked.
Despite the positive strides, women in Uganda still face significant challenges. Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a major concern, affecting 51% of women in Uganda, a stark contrast to the regional average of 37%. Economic disparities, limited access to financial resources, and entrenched socio-cultural norms continue to hinder women from fully participating in the economy. Addressing these systemic barriers requires concerted efforts from both the public and private sectors as well as cultural institutions.
Looking ahead, MTN Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with UN Women and other stakeholders to further strengthen initiatives that uplift women economically. Future collaborations will focus on capacity-building programs, mentorship initiatives, and expanded access to markets for women entrepreneurs.
As the Women’s Month celebrations continue, MTN Uganda’s partnership with UN Women serves as a beacon of progress in fostering a more inclusive and equitable business landscape. By addressing the barriers that hinder women’s economic participation and amplifying initiatives like AWE, the journey toward true gender equality in Uganda remains steadfast.
