MPIGI– Former Member of Parliament for Mpigi District, Hon. Sarah Nakawunde Temulanda, has called on women, young mothers, and youth to take advantage of Elsa Africa’s vocational training programs as a crucial step toward reducing unemployment in Uganda.
Speaking at an event where 42 girls, women, and young mothers were awarded certificates in tailoring and hairdressing at Elsa Vocational Training Center, Hon. Sarah emphasized that practical skills are key to addressing the high unemployment rates among women and youth in the country.
“It is essential to empower women to become economically independent,” she said. “When women are empowered, it translates into a stronger, more resilient Uganda.”
Lawrence Ddumba, Director of Elsa Africa, urged the government to collaborate with NGOs like Elsa Africa to design and implement targeted skills development programs specifically for women and girls.
“We need to support and empower women because anyone with practical skills can sustain themselves and overcome many challenges,” Ddumba said.
He highlighted poverty and lack of skills as root causes of social issues such as unwanted pregnancies, gender-based violence, child neglect, unemployment, HIV/AIDS, and discrimination against women. “These are the problems Elsa Africa aims to address,” he added.
At the event, Movit Company presented startup kits to 30 women graduates to help them launch their new businesses. A representative from Movit explained that this support extends beyond Elsa Africa to other organizations dedicated to empowering women to overcome poverty.