UWA women have been reminded of their gender roles and the importance of balancing these with their careers to become influential leaders worldwide.

Dr. Joyce Nalunga Birimumaaso, a prominent Ugandan lawyer, transformational leader, and motivational speaker, made these remarks as a key note speaker during the UWA International Women’s Day Celebrations held at the Authority Headquarters in Kamwokya, Kampala. She emphasized the importance of humility and inclusiveness in leadership, highlighting that women are regarded as role models who shape character and discipline

She stated, “The future is female. The future is bold. That’s why His Excellency has appointed many women to high-ranking positions. When you believe in yourself, others will believe in you. When you doubt yourself, people can sense it. If you don’t value yourself, who else will? Confidence in yourself will be visible to everyone.”

Dr. Nalunga also discouraged the “pull-down syndrome,” where women undermine other women’s progress, urging women to support one another to reach their full potential. She reminded them that in the professional world, there are no excuses and encouraged them to be results-oriented and add value to their organization.

UWA Executive Director Dr James Musinguzi who briefly stepped to celebrate with the ladies in an evening they dubbed as UWA Women’s Day – Ka-Chai Fire Side Chat, encouraging women to pursue further education to better compete with their male counterparts in the job market, emphasizing that once empowered, women can compete equally with men in various fields.

UWA Commissioner Human Resources, Susan Muhumuza Nyatia, highlighted the importance of gender equality in leadership roles and motivated women to strive for higher positions. Additionally, Dr. Ahebwa Keisha Patience, a mental health and wellness consultant at Thrive Therapy and Wellness, advised women to prioritize self-care and establish boundaries, reassuring them that it is acceptable to say *no* when feeling overwhelmed.