Equality in Action: Celebrating Women’s Achievements This Women’s Day

Empowering journeys that are paving the way for future generations.

This Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting remarkable women across diverse fields who are defying expectations and redefining equality. From medicine and entrepreneurship to entertainment and law, these inspiring stories showcase the progress and ongoing challenges faced by women striving for true equality. Discover their empowering journeys and learn how they’re paving the way for future generations.

Equality in Action: Celebrating Women's Achievements This Women's Day

1. Dr. Sophia Haruna – Doctor

What’s one change you’ve seen for women in your field when it comes to inclusion?

Women these days have embraced the field of medicine, even tackling some of the sub specialties that are usually meant for men, like neurosurgery, for example.

Can you recall a moment you felt empowered, or limited?

The biggest limitation I have faced is being assumed to be a nurse because I am young and a woman. Patients sometimes expect the doctor to be a man. Some employers even hesitate to hire you because they see the potential of you getting pregnant soon as a risk they would rather not deal with. In the medical field they also assume you cannot work night shifts. It’s frustrating sometimes.

2. Tiffah “Miss Building Material” – Entrepreneur

I have sold building materials, blocks, stones, sand, I’ve sold it all. I have been in the industry for about 5 years. It has come with its fair share of challenges and upsides. The most challenging part is taking materials before the payment is completed, and find a hard time getting payment cleared because the customer is making excuses, sometimes it takes weeks!

One piece of advice for young women?

Women should learn to work for themselves, it is the best thing in the world. It is bad to wait for everything, as though you are a beggar. Get out of the mindset that some jobs are only for men, we can do just fine with it ourselves!

3. Hellen Lukoma – Actress, musician

Can you recall a moment you felt empowered, or limited?

The first time I was back on set after having given birth was very empowering. I sort of thought I wouldn’t perform quite the same, but seeing myself do the things I loved, and doing them just as well as I did before, that was empowering. To be given a chance and for people to treat me the same was heart-warming. At the same time, it is very tough when I have work obligations and yet my child is sick, for instance. I perform, yes, but my heart is elsewhere.

4. Stella Nante – TV Presenter

What’s one change you’ve seen for women in your field when it comes to inclusion?

These days you are judged based on your ability and experience more than anything else, which is a step in the right direction. Women bring ideas that are just as good, and are included in the planning, decision making process – deservedly so. Equality means respect for everyone, according to their value, talent and passion.

Can you recall a moment you felt empowered, or limited?

During my acting days, my mentor Mr John Segawa decided to make me assistant director to one of the episodes we were shooting. It was such an honor that was met with resistance from the rest of the crew, who did not think I had what it took to perform the role well.

5. Cleopatra Koheirwe – Actress, writer, host

What’s one change you’ve seen for women in your field when it comes to inclusion?

One change I have seen in the field of acting is that there are a lot more female cinematographers, editors, special effects makeup artists and so much more. These days you can find a film set that is female dominated instead of the opposite. There’s still a bit of a double standard when it comes to how women are treated in the workplace; there’s less grace given for coming late, for instance, or dealing with childcare is treated as a nuisance.

One piece of advice for young women?

My biggest advice is to be curious, and to ask questions. If you hear of a casting call, find out who else will be there, ask about the place, because sometimes it could be a trap. Try as much as possible not to move alone. Back in high school at Namasagali College, our headmaster at the time (may God rest his soul), Father Damien Grimes used to tell us as girls to “always move in threes”. So my advice is to make sure you are not alone with a strange man, especially if you have little control over the situation. Trust your gut, especially if you are not sure about it. Better safe than sorry.

6. Eleanor Nabwiso – Actor, Producer

What’s one change you’ve seen for women in your field when it comes to inclusion?

I’m a filmmaker, and I feel like of recent, the women do more roles that were traditionally male. Like rolling the tape, editing, directing, sound engineering – but these were jobs typically handled by the men. Our industry has got more inclusion right now.

Can you recall a moment you felt empowered, or limited?

As a woman, I have had to fight for my space, so I never really accept to be limited. Do you know why? I have done my best to learn and earn more from my craft so that I can fit in spaces that are limiting. If I have to do camera work, I have to train for it. If it means sitting among sportsmen, I will watch the news and get informed before I get into that situation. I work so hard to be where I am today.

7. Lydia Jazmine – recording artist, songwriter and performer

What’s one change you’ve seen for women in your field when it comes to inclusion?

Women are taking over right now. We have the same kind of involvement when it comes to all parts of the music space. Directing music videos, playing instruments in bands, management, and so much more in the space. We have a lot of bigger female artists who are recognised right now, we are headlining our own concerts, not just backup. They say the future is female, I can see that now.

What’s a hidden barrier women still face in the entertainment business?

A hidden barrier I still see is that there are some female artists who are taken advantage of by producers, songwriters, managers, even some members of the media, simply because they want hits and to make it in the mainstream. When I was starting it almost happened to me, but I stood my ground and knew my talent was enough to help me make it.

8. Nabagala Jalwa – Mechanic

Could you share some of the key challenges you’ve faced in your career?

If a man can fix a car, why can’t I? I remember a time when, because the tyre was heavy, a man was trying to convince me that I couldn’t lift it – simply because I am a woman. The men in my field are still very discouraging, telling you what you cannot do, but you have to prove them wrong every single time.

How have you managed to overcome the challenge?

I have supporters, and above all else, I love the job I am doing, so you cannot stop me!

9. Safina Nakyemba – Lawyer

What’s one change you’ve seen for women in your field when it comes to inclusion?

There is a lot of change, but we are seeing a lot more female judges rising even to the supreme court. At times it is not really balanced, but we are getting there. Somehow there’s still gender insensitivity among lawyers, and even clients. For example, in land transactions, where there is need to go to the field, get a surveyor – the client will wonder if you can manage it because you are a woman.

One piece of advice for young women?

I would tell young women to lead with empathy. We should not forget to have compassion and be understanding to each other. While you are fighting for your space, you find women trying to hinder fellow women from making it. We need to help and understand each other first.