Are women rising to this reality and if so, is there a catalyst from the powers that would be to support their ventures?
Already, we have an affirmative action on empowering women; Women-led and Women-owned businesses action call. We have seen many women taking up key positions in the private sector as well as in government. Two months or so ago Catherine Muraga was appointed the Microsoft ADC managing director as well as Sylvia Mulinge getting appointed the MTN Uganda CEO. The examples are many. The just concluded polls doubled the number of women governors as well as provided increased numbers of women MPs leave alone the reserved Woman Representative political post. I think soon, we will turn and start supporting the boy child.
What would be your advice for a woman who wants to move from employment into self-employment?
That it is brave to take that leap of faith and just do it. Looking at me, who would have thought my pet business would work and grow almost four times within that short time yet out of all the businesses I have ever tried, it is the one I used little starting capital on. The saloon where I had invested heavily flopped. Don't be afraid to start small. Also, don't look too far. It is good to work with simple ideas even some driven by your hobbies and passions. A month ago we were in Kisumu where we met this woman supplying cakes in the entire Nyanza region yet she started off from her kitchen not so long ago.
What are some of those easy landing entrepreneur undertakings that you would say are favourable to women?
Everything works. It is all about the thought process, doing the right thing, being at the right place and yes, I must say, saying the right thing when you get to that place where opportunity meets preparation. Agriculture is paying well, content creation too...I honestly wouldn't specify any career as every hustle counts. For the woman who wants it all, the sky must be the limit.