BrighterMonday to empower IUIU young women through career clinic

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BrighterMonday Uganda, in partnership with the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) Female Campus, is set to hold a career clinic under the theme “Her Path, Her Power: Empowering Young People for the Future of Work.”

The partnership unveiled on Thursday at IUIU Female Campus, Kabojja, is an initiative that aims to equip female students with work-ready skills. It also forms part of BrighterMonday’s GenKazi Project, implemented in collaboration with the MasterCard Foundation.

Speaking at the launch, Grace Audrey Imma, the Head of Learning and Development at BrighterMonday Uganda, highlighted the importance of preparing female students for the evolving job market.

“We’re delighted to be here alongside our amazing partners at the Islamic University in Uganda. It’s our pleasure to host a career clinic at the all-female campus in Kabojja, our goal is to equip and empower the female as they hit the job market,” she said.

She explained that the clinic is designed to offer practical, hands-on skills that extend beyond academic content.

“We are implementing the GenKazi Project in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation, focusing on ensuring that at least 70% of participants are female. I am excited to see so many young women eager to learn.”

The upcoming clinic is part of a broader strategy to ease the transition from university to the workplace.

“We are excited for the 18th of November, when students will explore how to navigate the world of work and identify opportunities beyond academics.”

Prof. Madinah Nabukeera, Director of the IUIU Female Campus in Kabojja, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to closing the graduate skills gap.

“We are hosting BrighterMonday to equip our learners with ready-to-work skills. Research shows a gap between what students study and what employers want.”

“Communication, personal development, digital etiquette, and workplace interaction are critical for employability, yet they are often not fully covered in university teaching. BrighterMonday is helping our students bridge the gap that the industry has identified.”

Eunice Innocent Katushabe, Gender and Inclusion Officer at BrighterMonday Uganda, emphasised the importance of empowering female students.

“We are here to fulfil our partnership with IUIU under the theme ‘Her Path, Her Power.’ When you empower a girl, you empower a nation.”

She reminded students that the clinic is entirely free.

“All this is free. Please bring your colleagues, especially females. We want every woman to access these opportunities.”

Katushabe said the initiative also responds to systemic gender disparities in employment.

“Research shows that over 46% of women in Uganda remain in subsistence work. Our clinic equips female students with skills to transition into productive employment.”

She added that the program also targets youth unemployment.

“Uganda is the second youngest country in the world, yet much of the youth population is underproductive. We must support each other to ensure young people, especially females, are ready for work.”

The career clinic will feature mentorship, workshops, and practical sessions on CV writing, interview preparation, workplace communication, and personal development.

By addressing the gap between technical knowledge and employability, the program aims to prepare graduates who are competitive, confident, and ready to join the labour market.