Empowering Women: Launching the Women Income Generation Opportunities Initiative (WIGOI)

Empowering Women: Launching the Women Income Generation Opportunities Initiative (WIGOI)

With a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and gender equality, Siemens Stiftung, in partnership with Capital Solutions Limited, launched the Women Income Generation Opportunities Initiative (WIGOI). This groundbreaking educational program targets young women aged 18-30 in semi-urban and rural areas, offering tailored 360° educational solutions to enhance their incomes and career prospects.

Attendees at the launch of the Women Income Generation Opportunities Initiative (WIGOI) project.

The hybrid launch event marked the beginning of an inspiring journey towards empowering women in Uganda. Through a range of skilling programs, mentorship opportunities, and social enterprise development engagements, WIGOI aims to support 100 young women in Uganda, enabling them to realize their full potential, both economically and professionally.

Ms. Marion Pabst, Programmes manager, Siemens Stiftung, speaking during the launch, highlighted a stark reality: globally, only 2% of female entrepreneurs receive financial support, significantly limiting their opportunities compared to men in the financial sector. The WIGOI project seeks to challenge this inequality by providing avenues for women entrepreneurs to access financing, thereby fostering a more equitable entrepreneurial landscape.

Ms. Marion Pabst giving the welcome remarks at the launch.

Our guest of honor, Ms. Apio Maureen, representing the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, emphasized that the program they are currently implementing prioritizes knowledge and empowerment for young women. By providing economic empowerment and financial support to women already in business  facilitate their advancement and success in their ventures.

Ms. Maureen Apio giving her closing remarks.

The launch event concluded with the importance of environmental stewardship. Recognizing the interconnectedness of socioeconomic empowerment and environmental sustainability, the organizers seized the opportunity to contribute to climate change mitigation efforts by planting trees. This commitment to sustainable practices further amplifies the impact of WIGOI, demonstrating a holistic approach towards empowerment.

Dr. Joyce Tamale, CEO&Co-Founder Capital Solutions Ltd ( L), Ms. Marion Pabst (M) , Ms. Maureen Apio (R) and Ms. Monica Basemera ( Far Right) plant trees to contribute to climate change.

We would like to extend appreciation to our the esteemed guests, including Ms. Apio Maureen, Marion Pabst Salas, Monica Basemera, and Francis Nsanga, MBA, MPH, CKM. Their presence and insights enriched the event, laying a solid foundation for the WIGOI initiative’s success. Additionally, heartfelt appreciation was extended to all participants whose engagement and support contributed to the event’s success.

As WIGOI takes its first steps, it represents not only a program but a promise—a promise to uplift and empower women, to break barriers, and to foster a more inclusive and equitable society.

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