The world today is evolving, women can be seen leading businesses, managing people and taking care of their homes/families. The outbreak of COVID 19 did not impede these evolving times where in as much as many business were put to a standstill or the need to save capital was a top priority in many women’s minds.
In addition to this, for the little ones in school, online classes were arranged by their different schools. These classes were attended on the different meeting platforms such as zoom, skype and Microsoft teams under the supervision of an adult. Yes, these activities provided an avenue for children to learn from home and become abreast with technology but it still came down to the woman making this happen.
While all the above was happening, women/wives/ mothers had to balance taking care of their families while striving to make ends meet. In regards to the working mothers, zoom calls were the norm and delegation of tasks ensured that our demanding deadlines were fulfilled. The business owners had to fully utilize online platforms to market their products and carry out one to one sales to ensure their businesses thrive.
As the saying goes //One cannot forget to mention that for many Ugandan families, the saving culture was instilled as COVID- 19 made us appreciate the value of money. Many children were given saving boxes and families cut down on expenditure to be prepared for any eventuality. Which has resulted into the notion, of “spend all that you earn” losing its grip on households as we strive for a better future!
WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP, ACHIEVING AN EQUAL FUTURE IN A COVID 19 WORLD AN NWSC PERSPECTIVE.
At National water and Sewerage Corporation, about 30 percent of the workforce comprises of women. Women play a pivotal role in any society, corporate setting and the universe at large. The business of water and sewerage services is arduous and full of unpredictable dynamics. With their patience and ability to multitask, women in water have contributed enormously. They are spread across the professional divide in NWSC. Finance, Engineering, Public Relations, Procurement, Administration, to mention but a few. To sum it up, women are transformational in the corporation.
In various cases, women aren’t encouraged to take on leadership roles as often as their male counterparts, contributing to an imbalance of who’s in power, but at NWSC the story is quite the opposite. Women have taken up leadership roles and embraced them. They have thrived, made others shine, and also enhanced service delivery. Kampala water, which the leading contributor to operational excellence, has most managerial positions filled by women.
In the wake of COVID 19, NWSC was faced with unforeseen challenges. People’s incomes were largely affected since most could not earn a penny due to lockdown restrictions. This translated to reduction in bill collections by NWSC. Most households were not able to pay their water bills on time. Women managers had to revise and readjust their methods to try and keep water flowing in the city to aid the battle against the lethal virus COVID 19, while striving to collect revenue. Stalwartly the water taps in Kampala continued flowing despite the financial shortcomings thanks to the resilient nature of NWSC women in leadership. This is testament that NWSC women are strong, passionate and exert a high degree of patience.
“We are creative problem solvers motivated by obstacles. The desire to overcome a challenge fuels us to get things accomplished. Leaders don’t take ‘no’ for an answer.”
Written By Hans Ruyonga and Brownie Ebal, NWSC
