As part of its efforts to empower Ugandan women financially, Centenary Bank yesterday contributed Shs 2million to the Self Help Initiative project which provides a livelihood to thousands of women in the Kasana- Luweero Diocese.
The handover coincided with the Diocese’ International Women’s Day celebrations in Luweero.
Speaking at the ceremony as the chief guest, Beatrice Lugalambi- Centenary Bank’s General Manager Business Development and Marketing noted that the contribution was part of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme aimed at transforming communities in Uganda.
The contribution will be part of the revolving fund that will be used to give loans to members of the initiative.
“Centenary Bank is proud to be associated with the economic transformation of the women and is committed to work and support them to attain financial freedom, and access to affordable financial products and services,” Lugalambi noted. “We strongly believe that this project will economically empower thousands of women in Luweero,” she added.
Kasana Luweero Diocese women’s guild started the Self Help Initiative project in 2014 to help improve livelihoods of women in the 17 parishes across the region.
The initiative boosts of 17 women groups mainly engaged in agriculture, tailoring and baking.
Commenting on the celebrations, Lugalambi explained that the International Women’s Day is very special to women, because it gives them an opportunity to celebrate the success they have attained over the years and reminds them to deeply reflect on their future.
“Most of you will agree with me that it’s not been an easy road for the women in the world. Today’s celebration is deeply rooted in our struggles and perseverance as women. Our journey has been tough and characterized by social and economic challenges; from being traded as slaves, house helps and wives in the ancient days to earning our right in our families and society as valued members whose voice is important. We have come from far and yet we still have a long way to go,” she said.
Ms. Florence Nassanga Musoke- the Coordinator for women in Kasana Luweero Diocese welcomed Centenary Bank’s donation and called upon more corporate and financial institutions to support the women in their regions to enhance development of the country.
“We are truly humbled by this contribution from Centenary Bank. A few years ago, women were considered worthless in terms of business development. This contribution will go a long way empowering the women of Kasana- Luweero Diocese financially and stimulate business growth in our district,” she noted.
Centenary Bank’s CSR programme includes initiatives like CentenBusinessLife and Bridging the Cancer Gap through which it addresses challenges like financial illiteracy and the cancer scourge respectively, among the youth and women in Uganda.