Dfcu Bank, in partnership with the Uganda Investment Authority, has launched the second edition of the Rising Woman initiative which will see over 5000 businesswomen across the country equipped with business management skills.
The Rising Woman initiative which was started last year under the theme ‘Taking your business ahead’ is meant to recognize, celebrate and promote a culture of mentorship among women in business in Uganda.
It targets Ugandan businesswomen, small scale investors, entrepreneurs, members of Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association Limited (UWEAL), members of Uganda Small Scale Industries Association (USSIA) and Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) members.
Speaking at the launch in Kampala on Wednesday, dfcu Chief Executive Officer Mathias Katamba, said the initiative is a fundamental step on the path to creating a financially-enabling environment for female entrepreneurs. He noted that the bank has created programs and products which specifically address the financial needs of women across the country.
“As a financial institution that believes in building thriving communities, dfcu embarked on a journey of creating an enabling environment for Small and Medium Women-owned Enterprises started in 2007, with the introduction of the Women in Business program. Our primary motivation is the fact that despite women making up over 52% of the population of Uganda, it is not reflected in the ratio of women who have access to financial services,” he said during the launch of the Second phase at the bank’s head offices in Kampala.
Through the program, the bank works with women in diverse ventures to turn business ideas into realities which in turn become vehicles for change in communities.
“With over 53 years of lending to SMEs, and at least 10 years running the WiB program, dfcu Bank understands the financial needs of women and goes ahead to provide tailor-made solutions for them,” Katamba added.
He also officially announced the call for business proposals through the bank’s official website which will begin the contention for the top 10 business ideas.
“Like we did last year, we will reward the top 3 business submissions with monetary funding and an all-expense paid learning tour to Nairobi.”
He concluded by thanking the partners of The Rising Woman Initiative whose individual contributions will bring priceless value to thousands of women and businesses across the country.
Speaking at the same event Sheila Mugyenzi, the Director of Investment Promotion and Development at the Uganda Investment Authority, said the initiative has transformed many business managers thus the call for Women across the country to embrace the program.
BY SAMUEL NABWIISO
