New Vision (Kampala)
Irene Nabusoba
2 November 2009
Kampala — NO one probably derives much meaning from the saying 'age is wisdom' more than Deborah Serwadda, who has spent the better part of her adult life helping women discover and develop their potential for visionary leadership.
As a teacher of English/Literature in Kololo High for eight years, Serwadda observed that girls have unique challenges that inhibit their concentration in class.
"The education system does not address socio-cultural roots that challenge girls in unleashing their full potential," she says. "Someone does well in school but the challenges back home are enormous - household chores, providing for siblings and sexual violence. I wanted to cause a change to allow the girl-child an even platform to pursue their education dreams," she says.
Serwadda is one of the pioneers of the counselling psychology unit at Makerere University's department of social work. She volunteered for community projects like Mothers' Union before starting up her own organisation, Empower Children and Communities Against Abuse (ECCAA). She advanced to become the Uganda Representative for Ashoka East Africa.
Now, as the executive director Icon Women and Young People's Academy, Serwadda is going to be one of the inspirational speakers at the fourth annual Women in Leadership (WIL) Conference.
The prestigious event is slated for November 9 to 13 at Protea Hotel, Kampala, under the theme 'I'm unique and the power to be who I want to be is in my hands'.
Serwadda argues that many of the barriers stopping women from realising their full potential is because of the way we socialise. "Women are compromised at household level. Parents tell us boys should always lead, as children we are abused and as we grow up, the relationships we get into push us further down," she says.
Serwadda advises women to find role models within their social spaces and have a personal vision to pursue.
"Unfortunately, our leadership potential has never been fully realised as women and this is what this conference will bring out," Serwadda says.
Hope Kasimbazi, an executive officer at the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, the local coordinator for the continental meet, says the conference will offer opportunities to women leaders to showcase their resolve and address gender equality as a development goal.
"Traditionally, women were known to exist only in the shadow of men. Today, they hold powerful positions at workplaces, in government, the Church and run families. We are participating and contributing equally with our male counterparts," she explains.
Winnie Kamuya, the chairperson of the conference, says the forum will also embrace men because they play a big role in promoting women empowerment. "We also have to tackle family and religious issues because the home environment influences how a woman asserts herself in society, at work and even at school," she says.
An initiative of African Renaissance Centre, a management development organisation based in Mbabane, Swaziland, the conference will feature a fashion show, 'Happy Gal: Its All About Her', that will showcase ladies' underwear by Marrietta Enoch, a Ugandan professional designer.
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