By Mukembo Wilfred
Former Member of Parliament for Mpigi District, Hon. Sarah Nakawunde Temulanda, has called on women, young mothers, and youth to embrace vocational training programs offered by Elsa Africa as a key solution to rising unemployment in the country.
Speaking at a graduation ceremony where 42 girls, women, and young mothers received certificates in tailoring and hairdressing at Elsa Vocational Training Center, Hon. Nakawunde emphasized the importance of hands-on skills in addressing joblessness among youth and women.
“Empowering women to become economically independent is critical. When women thrive, Uganda becomes stronger,” she said.
Lawrence Ddumba, the Director of Elsa Africa, urged the government to collaborate with NGOs like Elsa Africa to develop programs that focus specifically on the skilling needs of women and girls.
“We need to support and empower women. Anyone who is skilled can sustain themselves and rise above challenges,” Ddumba noted. He further pointed out that poverty and lack of skills among women are major contributors to societal issues such as unwanted pregnancies, gender-based violence, child neglect, unemployment, HIV/AIDS, and discrimination.
In a show of support, Movit Products Limited donated startup kits to 30 graduates to help them kickstart their entrepreneurial journeys. According to a Movit representative, the company supports not just Elsa Africa but other organizations committed to empowering women and fighting poverty through skills development.
