Experts tip employees on how to handle workplace disparities

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Professional women accountants observe that their peers have to embrace agility, resilience, integrity, continuous skill development, adaptability, and confidence to excel in their careers and navigate workplace disparities.

According to CPA Freda Anne Namatovu, it is critical that women identify their purpose in life and look beyond the frustrations that arise from workplaces that intend to shut down their progress.

She was speaking recently during the Women in Accountancy Forum, organized by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) in Kampala to celebrate women.

“It is no secret that the corporate world has disparities, but for women it is even worse when their female counterparts fight any possible ambitions to grow professionally.

This has left most of them frustrated with others choosing to keep pursuing numerous qualifications which they cannot use since they are scared of trying out in a new field for the fear of failing. But I want to urge women to balance their time, life, work and family, this helps reduce unnecessary unhealthy competition,” Namatovu noted.

Namatovu emphasized the importance of women assuming leadership roles and being positioned in areas where their strengths can shine, encouraging them to align their purpose with that of their organizations, ensuring they make a distinctive impact.

“You should bring something unique to the table. Do not be afraid to work under someone; success often comes through dedication and even voluntary service. Don’t demand for a position simply because you are a woman, earn it,” Namatovu emphasized.

CPA Nancy Owino Amuge, the finance manager at Uganda Civil Aviation Authority highlighted the significance of mentorship in career advancement, sharing her personal experience of being mentored by a Principal at Makerere University Business School (MUBS) during her second year at the university.

Owino, on the other hand, cautioned against stagnation in workplaces that do not recognize or reward talent and effort emphasizing a need for networking with sources that matter.

“When you know your worth, think beyond your current position. “Seek growth within your organization, but if opportunities are limited, be bold enough to explore new avenues for advancement.”

Participants at the forum commended ICPAU for creating a platform for women to exchange ideas, inspire one another, and foster personal and professional growth.

A key highlight of the event was the formation of the inaugural ICPAU Women’s Committee, whose members will serve on the ICPAU Council for a two-year term.

The committee is chaired by Gloria Wakooba and includes members Edith Kakuba, Florence Emojong, Rosette Kafuko, Juliet Namyalo, Marion Atuhura, Sylvia Adong, Agnes Khwaka, Stella Atwine, and Margaret Saano.

As women continue to break barriers in accountancy and leadership, forums like these reinforce the importance of collective empowerment, mentorship, and the pursuit of excellence in the profession, experts in this area say.

It also helps women accountants get insights from their fellow accountants who have been successful and deploy in their day today work pressures to break through the ranks.