PSFU’s Women ‘Katale’ Returns, 150 Female-Led Enterprises To Showcase Their Products

Hot loaf bakery exhibiting their products during the launch of PSFU’s Women Day Katale Monday morning.

The Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) Monday morning announced the second edition of ‘PSFU’s Women Katale’ with the aim of extending women’s stake in the business space.

The Katale recognizes the contribution and potential of women and girls as entrepreneurs. During the Katale, women and girl entrepreneurs exhibit their different products and services for free, network, get marketing skills and get to sell their products during the exhibition.

Last year, the Katale was in Luwero. Following its success, this year’s Katale is slated for Friday and Saturday 10-11th March at UMA Multi-Purpose Hall, Lugogo. It is part of  Women’s Day celebrations.

Speaking at the launch of the ‘Katale’, PSFU  Executive Director, Stephen Asiimwe, said that Uganda’s young population is about 75% and of this, women constitute 51%.

He noted that women in the hard core spaces such as manufacturing, agriculture and tourism among other sectors are disadvantaged compared to their male counterparts.

According to Asiimwe, 49% of women are admitted to the Universities and tertiary institutions across the country every year. However, only 14% have access to commercial loans. 80% of these women, Asiimwe says, are in the informal sector.

He noted that only 40% women compete favorably in the entrepreneurship space yet they contribute 50% to the country’s GDP.

“When it comes to access to benefits, it’s a challenge,” he said, emphasizing the need to empower women entrepreneurs.

Against the above background, Asiimwe says the PSFU partnered with the Mastercard Foundation to impact women and girl entrepreneurs.

By the end of the Katale, Damalie Ssali, PSFU’s head of programs and projects, says that the women and girl entrepreneurs should be able to have contacts, markets and able to speak/market their products. Over 150-women led businesses are expected to showcase their businesses over the two-day period.