The Female Leaders Association, an alumni association of the Female Future Program (FFP), convened at Four Points Hotel earlier today for a meeting themed “Role of Women Leaders in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategies,” which showcased the significant strides women are making in leadership roles across various sectors.
The FFP, a nine-month training initiative, is specifically designed for women in leadership roles or those aspiring to such positions. Originating from insights gathered through surveys and research by the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE), the program addresses barriers such as cultural norms, historical marginalization, and structural challenges. Inspired by a successful Norwegian program, the FFP includes modules on leadership development, rhetoric, and board competence, with 15 face-to-face interactions. Since its inception in 2011, the program has empowered 140 women, enhancing their effectiveness, communication skills, influence, and confidence. Many graduates have gone on to become top performers and influential leaders in their fields.
Today’s event featured a buffet of accomplished women, including Hon Maria Kiwanuka, CEO of Radio One and Board Chairperson of Standard Chartered Bank, Mrs. Mono Ssebuliba, CEO of Bi Finance Ltd, and Mrs. Beatrice Lugalambi, General Manager of Centenary Bank, among others. These Female leaders shared their insights and experiences, emphasizing the importance of support systems, seeking help to achieve goals, and the necessity of airing out ideas.
The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) was also well represented at the event by notable exceptional ladies including; Principal HR-Patricia Aya, Billing Officer-Lillian Naiga, Commercial Officer-Isabella Kange, Kampala Water Legal Officer-Afua, and Principal Legal Officer Brownie Ebal, who also served as the MC for the day.
Note that the NWSC has always shown commitment to empowering women, something clearly evident in the fact that the corporation has sponsored over 20 women in the program. In the Kampala Water region alone, 54 out of 98 leadership positions including; Senior Managers, Managers, and Sub-Branch Managers, are held by women. If that isn’t empowerment, I don’t know what is.
Hon. Maria Kiwanuka, the keynote speaker, addressed the audience with a powerful message about the growth and development of women leaders. She emphasized the importance of leaders being role models, the need for strong governance in the education sector, and the importance of equity over equality. She also highlighted the necessity of having men as allies in the journey toward gender equality.
Other speakers included; Mrs. Mono Ssebuliba, who stressed the importance of having a support system, and Mrs. Beatrice Lugalambi, who encouraged women to voice their ideas and strive for uniqueness and creativity in the market. Mr. Dison Okum, CEO of the Institute of Corporate Governance of Uganda, hinted on the duties of a leader, the need to seek knowledge and wisdom, and the importance of learning from the younger generation, especially in terms of technology.
Speaking of honorably representing the corporation, NWSC FFP alumni, Denise Kakundwe and Brownie Ebal, were awarded Board Competence certificates, recognizing their collective skills, knowledge, and expertise in effectively overseeing and guiding others, providing strategic guidance, fostering a culture of compliance and ethics, and supporting innovation and growth. In recognition of its support, NWSC received a sponsorship appreciation award.
The reps extend their heartfelt appreciation to the General Manager of Kampala Water and the Chief Manager-HR for their efforts in ensuring sponsorship for the program and empowering women leaders within NWSC.
