The global call for “Accelerating Progress Towards Gender Parity” is a vibrant, urgent demand resonating in the heart of Uganda’s burgeoning fintech sector. It’s a recognition that while strides have been made, the path to true equality remains long, filled with persistent obstacles. But how do we move beyond intention to tangible action? How do we accelerate this crucial progress?
The answer, as FITSPA Women demonstrates, lies in building bridges—bridges of mentorship, support, and empowerment. It’s about recognizing that gender parity isn’t just a hashtag, or chant or policy; it’s a culture, a shift in mindset, a deliberate investment in human potential.
The FITSPA Women Impact
Enter the FITSPA Women community, a dynamic force of over 450 women from diverse backgrounds and professional levels, united by a shared vision of empowering women in Uganda’s digital financial services. Launched in 2023, this community is a network and a hub of activity, driving change through targeted initiatives like capacity-building workshops, peer-to-peer coaching, and strategic networking events. These efforts are designed to break down systemic barriers, cultivate collaboration, and create a supportive ecosystem where women can thrive.
“When women support women, incredible things happen.” – Unknown – Ms. Josephine Olok, FITSPA outgoing Board Chairperson’s Favorite quote
From our vantage point, we’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of our mentorship program. It’s far more than a simple pairing of experienced professionals with aspiring leaders; it’s a catalyst for profound change and empowerment through hand-holding, advice, accountability, and so much more. We’ve seen it ignite a ripple effect of empowerment that extends far beyond individual participants.
Since 2023, 63 women have already benefited from the mentorship program as mentees, reporting increased confidence and expanded networks. Women who were once hesitant now lead with confidence. Networks that were once limited have expanded exponentially. We’ve watched as mentees, armed with newfound knowledge and support, not only advance in their careers but also become mentors themselves, perpetuating a cycle of growth and empowerment.
“Ms. Josephine’s encouragement has also given me the confidence to take bold steps forward, knowing that I am not alone in this journey. Her commitment to empowering women in fintech and her nurturing approach has inspired me to pursue my vision with determination.” – Suzan Mugyenyi, Founder, FunaRide App and FITSPA Women mentee.
The Mentorship Catalyst:
Mentorship, within the FITSPA Women framework, acts as a dynamic catalyst, sparking tangible progress towards gender parity. It’s the vital connection that transforms potential into realized achievement, providing the guidance and support necessary to navigate and overcome industry-specific challenges. Here’s how;
- Breaking Down Barriers: Mentors share their own experiences, offering insights into navigating biases and overcoming obstacles. They provide practical strategies for women to assert their voices and take their rightful place at the table.
- Building Confidence: Mentorship cultivates a sense of belonging and validates women’s abilities. Mentees gain the confidence to pursue leadership roles, to pitch their ideas, and to take calculated risks.
- Expanding Networks: Mentors open doors, connecting mentees to valuable networks and opportunities. This access is crucial for career advancement and professional growth.
- Skill Development: Beyond technical skills, mentors offer guidance on leadership, communication, and strategic thinking. They help mentees develop the holistic skillset needed to thrive in the fintech industry.
- Driving Systemic Change: By empowering individual women, the mentorship program contributes to broader cultural shifts. As more women rise to leadership positions, they become role models, inspiring others and driving systemic change.
Mentorship isn’t just about guidance—it’s about opening doors, building confidence, and creating space for women to thrive.” – Laura Kyongo, Partnerships and Placement Lead at Groundbreaker Talent and FITSPA Women mentor
This program, in essence, is not just about individual success; it’s about building a sustainable ecosystem of female leadership within Uganda’s fintech sector. It’s about witnessing the acceleration of gender parity in real-time, and creating a future where every woman has the opportunity to lead, innovate, and thrive.
To ensure the mentorship program’s efficacy in accelerating gender parity, FITSPA Women recognized the importance of investing in our mentors themselves. We conducted specialized training sessions, equipping these vital guides with refined skills in active listening, strategic guidance, and impactful feedback. This initiative reinforces our commitment to cultivating a powerful network of informed and effective advocates. By enhancing the mentors’ capabilities, we strengthen the entire FITSPA Women community, ensuring that the ripple effect of empowerment extends further and deeper, contributing directly to the tangible progress we are celebrating.
Beyond mentorship, FITSPA Women is dedicated to equipping women with the essential skills for leadership and professional growth. Our comprehensive capacity-building sessions, covering topics such as executive leadership, essentials for managers, and personal growth, have directly empowered over 200 women. These trainings provide practical tools and knowledge, enabling participants to confidently navigate their careers and contribute meaningfully to the fintech sector. This investment in skill development ensures that women are not only supported through mentorship but also possess the concrete abilities to excel and lead.
“Champions of Progress”: A Celebration of Action:
This year, to commemorate International Women’s Day and to bring the tangible impact of our efforts to the forefront, we are hosting ‘Champions of Progress.’ This celeration will be a powerful demonstration of the individuals who are actively dismantling barriers and driving gender equality within Uganda’s fintech sector. It’s a critical moment to amplify the stories of those who embody the very essence of accelerating progress, showcasing the real-world impact of our mentorship program and community initiatives.
We invite you to join us! This event, along with the mentorship program, is a call to action. It’s a reminder that accelerating progress towards gender parity requires a collective effort. It demands that we challenge the status quo, invest in women’s potential, and create a culture of inclusion. Register here to attend: https://bit.ly/ChampionsofProgress
