'Shortage of childcare services hindering women entrepreneurs'

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Gender and labour minister, Betty Amongi, has said that despite various government initiatives aimed at empowering women economically, many are still hindered by numerous challenges.

One of them is a shortage of childcare services.

The minister said childcare is important in unlocking the full productivity and business potential of women entrepreneurs in Uganda.

She was speaking during a high-level webinar dialogue centered around childcare and women entrepreneurship, on Friday (November 15).

“For years, many of us in the women's movement researched a lot about the unpaid care work borne by women. Today, we have crafted a simple solution, which we must commit to actualize by making it more available to our daughters, sisters and wives in business,” said Amongi.

The research — made feasible with support from the World Bank — focused on enhancing the regulatory framework for centre-based childcare for children under three in Uganda.

It also evaluated the demand and supply of childcare services for low-income women entrepreneurs.

Amongi underlined the importance of empowering women to launch and expand their businesses, alongside improving access to affordable financing.

Simultaneously tackling the obstacles that impede women’s advancement is crucial, she said.

“In a special way, I would like to recognize and appreciate our partnership with the World Bank on the GROW project and particularly for including policy research and childcare interventions."

The project is a Ugandan government initiative that arose out of the need to respond to the needs of women entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses.

Amongi said that when the unique challenges that women entrepreneurs face are addressed, it empowers them to grow their business ventures while also balancing personal priorities like their children's safety and their own well-being.

“By providing access to childcare services to women entrepreneurs, we remove one of the barriers to their competitiveness, giving them the freedom to identify new markets, innovate, and build networks that fuel business growth."

The minister said this approach not only enhances their entrepreneurial potential, but it also fosters a more inclusive and dynamic business environment.

“I believe that through this meeting, we will build a critical mass of more like-minded, result-focused and strategic partners to implement the legal, policy and practice environment for caring for children under the age of three years."

As the gender ministry, Amongi said one critical element they have identified is the absence of national standards for the establishment and management of childcare facilities for children under three years.

She said that together with her team, and other relevant ministries, they commit to ensuring that these are in place to guide investments and interventions.

“And we have already started on this."

Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, also weighed in on the discussion.

He is pleased that initiatives like GROW, through its effort to skill women, provide affordable credit and gender-sensitive infrastructure (including childcare).

According to him, it will improve awareness and incomes of women entrepreneurs to in turn be able to afford childcare facilities in their localities, including those employed in the informal sector.

“The Ministry of Gender’s collaboration with the World Bank on these studies demonstrates our shared obligation to create a more enabling environment for women-led enterprises, supporting economic resilience, and fostering sustainable growth for our nation,” said Tayebwa.

He said that through the GROW project, the country will strategically achieve wins for women, their children, gender equality and the economy.