Issue 66 June 2019 Arise A Women’s Development Magazine Published by ACFODE WOMEN IN UNIFORM: Traditional Versus None Traditional Careers for Women

INCLUDES:

Traditional versus non - traditional careers: What influences a woman career choice?

Is raising a family mission impossible for women in uniform? A case of the Police Force

The medical field: How female health workers have changed the face of the industry A WOMAN MUST NOT ACCEPT; SHE MUST CHALLENGE. SHE MUST NOT BE AWED BY THAT WHICH HAS BEEN BUILT UP AROUND HER; SHE MUST REVERENCE THAT WOMAN IN HER WHICH STRUGGLES FOR EXPRESSION.

Margaret Sanger Vision A just society where gender equality is a OUR reality VISION

Mission Core To empower Purpose women and CORPOR ATE Advocacy for influence legisla- OUR VALUES gender equality tion and policy MISSION and equity for gender equal- ity in Uganda

ACFODE Board of Directors 1. Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine - Chairperson 2. Jean Kemitare - Vice Chairperson Editor In Chief 3. Gladys Nairuba - Treasurer Contributors Sandra Nassali, [email protected] 4. Richard Makumbi 1. Janet Namayengo 5. Susan Bakesha 2. Brian Mutebi Editorial Team 6. Stedia Asiimwe 3. Owen Wagabaya 1. Regina Bafaki 7. Matilda Makata 4. Belinda Kyomuhendo 2. Hellen Twongyeirwe 8. Regina Bafaki - Secretary 5. Sasha Mumbi 3. Julius Ocwinyo 9. Sandra Nassali - Staff Representative 6. Stacey Pearl Keirungi

ARISE 66 • 3 WE NEED WOMEN AT ALL LEVELS, INCLUDING THE TOP, TO CHANGE THE DYNAMIC, RESHAPE THE CONVERSATION, TO MAKE SURE WOMEN’S VOICES ARE HEARD AND HEEDED, NOT OVERLOOKED AND IGNORED.

Sheryl Sandberg

4 • ARISE 66 Contents 8 TRADITIONAL VERSUS NON- TRADITIONAL CAREERS: WHAT INFLUENCES A WOMAN CAREER CHOICE?

12 IS RAISING A FAMILY MISSION IMPOSSIBLE FOR WOMEN IN UNIFORM? A CASE OF THE UGANDA POLICE FORCE

15 WHY SO FEW? WOMEN IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS (STEM)

19 THE MEDICAL FIELD: HOW FEMALE HEALTH WORKERS HAVE CHANGED THE FACE OF THE INDUSTRY

22 EXPERIENCES, NEEDS AND CHALLENGES OF FEMALE PRISON OFFICERS

25 WOMEN IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

28 FROM WORK TO WORKING IT: EMINENT WOMEN IN UNIFORM SHARE EXPERIENCES THAT PROVE THEY’RE MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY FACE

33 STREET TALK ON PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS OF WOMEN IN MILITARY, LAW ENFORCEMENT AND STEM CAREERS

37 BOOK REVIEWS

ARISE 66 • 5 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Issue 65 . December 2018

AriseA Women’s Development Magazine Published by ACFODE

Even then, cooperatives need loans at low interest rates and the entry of a bank that offers this service will be a game changer. I hope responsible parties, will after reading this edition do the needful. Cooperatives as a vehiCle Denis Ashaba to Gender equality & Dedicated Co-operator, Women’s riGhts in uGanda Dear Editor, Thank you for the continuous effort to air out community voices through the Arise Magazine. Particularly, issue 65 elaborated on initiatives to Dear Editor, mainstream gender and promote women’s leadership Thank you for ISSUE 65 of the Arise Magazine and participation in the cooperative movement. Am on Cooperatives as a Vehicle for Gender Equality. glad that our views on women’s social rights such By reading the magazine, we believe that key as access, control and ownership of land, adequate stakeholders in the cooperative movement will housing and agribusiness were aired and I hope this appreciate digital financing models that are inclusive will contribute to advancing the rights of women. and supportive of SACCOs to modernise their Byomukama Christopher operations by putting up infrastructure required Operations Manager to promote mobile banking e.g. computers, solar Semuliki Cooperative Union (SEMUCU), systems, internet connectivity and printers. Bundibugyo Patrick Bakunda Chief Executive Director, Uganda Central Dear Editor, Cooperative Financial Services (UCCFS) The Arise Magazine issue 65 was timely given the current situation where there is a growing number Dear Editor, of people living in informal settlements such as I applaud ACFODE for producing a special issue slums. Therefore, it will go along way in popularising of the Arise Magazine, specifically dedicated to the importance of cooperating and saving among cooperatives. For me, the most outstanding article women and men to change their housing situation by was the one that brought out the key aspect of accessing decent and affordable cover. reviving the cooperative bank. Such banks are Dorothy Baziwe important because they help counter the exploitation Executive Director of local farmers by foreign investors and middle men. Shelter and Settlement Alternatives (SSA)

6 • ARISE 66 FROM THE EDITOR

Stereotypes are usually difficult to break and perceptions difficult to change. And this applies, among other areas, to that of careers. There was a time when it was believed that the professions most suitable for women included teaching (especially at primary level), nursing and secretarial work. Fields such as engineering, architecture, medicine and aviation, among others, were deemed to be not only inappropriate for women but the preserve of men. However, over the years, women have broken down the barriers that had kept them outside STEM (science, technology, engineering and Sandra Nassali mathematics) and other careers, with many excelling and making a big impact in them. Women have even gone ahead to embrace Editor In Chief careers in fields such as the security forces, where it is no longer strange to find a high- [email protected] ranking female officer. Nor is it strange anymore to run into a female pilot.

Arise issue 66 is largely about the wearing down of these stereotypes and the change in attitudes. We hear from both women talking about themselves and their experiences, and both men and women making comments about the changes that have taken place in women’s career aspirations and how this has affected the workplace, marriage relations and other areas of life.

Arise 66 ends with two book reviews. The first, Becoming, a memoir of Michelle Obama, a woman recognised and admired worldwide for her dignity, poise, intellect and sophistication, among other qualities. In her book, which can be considered a microcosm of the life of African-Americans, Michelle provides insights into the difficulties she wrestled with and the challenges she faced, including the daunting prospect of having to deal with public expectations of an African-American First Lady.

The second, Women in STEM Careers: International Perspectives on Increasing Workforce Participation, Advancement and Leadership, engages with the challenges that women face in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The book is based on theory and evidence, and offers solutions to women’s low representation in STEM. Both books are the kind one would be proud to have among their collection.

We hope you will enjoy this issue of Arise as much as you enjoyed the past ones and get more inspiration from it.

Enjoy the read!

ARISE 66 • 7 Traditional versus non - traditional careers: What influences a woman career choice? Arise Contributor When we think about career choice, several things immediately come to mind – job description, training and education required, career outlook, and salary. In this article, Brain Mutebi investigates what influences women career choices nowadays.

raditionally, women were perceived women as only good expected to take up careers at handling less strenuous jobs, such as nursing, nursery and and work such as this was deemed primary teaching, catering so. “The idea was that women Tand tailoring. Such careers were are well suited for jobs which seen as a reserve for women. Society involve care and compassion and

8 • ARISE 66 When choosing a career, a woman should consider all the options available to her. There aren’t any occupations that a woman is incapable of doing based on her gender alone. However, as is the case for any individual, female or male, one will have to meet the educational requirements and other qualifications of the career she is considering.

require less intellectual and physical Women are undermined courses. Consequently, they take abilities,” Moses Ssegonga, a lecturer However, Aciro says nothing should up arts subjects which eventually in Sociology at Ndejje University, says. stop a woman from being a pilot, a lead them into reproductive roles surgeon, a commander in the army or such as catering, nursing and Cultural norms a lorry driver. It is socialisation that tailoring, among others.” Dr Florence Muhanguzi, a lecturer perceives women as weaker and less at the School of Women and Gender intelligent than men. Additionally, women are perceived Studies at , thinks to be soft and, therefore, unable that society and cultural norms still Unfortunately, Aciro says, even within to talk in the public space. Aciro influence women’s choice of traditional the traditional careers, women are notes that when an eloquent careers. Muhanguzi explains that undermined. “You find that it is men woman speaks in public, people society always associates women with who teach science subjects such as concluded that she is aspiring reproduction and, therefore, go on to mathematics, physics and chemistry. to be a politician. Yet that may prepare them for such roles. “Right In that case, women become teachers not really be her mission. The from childhood, women are trained of religious education, English and underlying perception is that to be good mothers and housewives,” literature. When a woman has broken women cannot ably talk in public she says. through the non-traditional fields and but if, somehow, they do so, she is, for example, a medical doctor, they are suspected to be up to Rita Aciro, the Executive Director she will still be asked whether she is a something. of the Uganda Women’s Network, paediatric doctor, still associating her agrees with Dr Muhanguzi. She says with children,” Aciro says. There is also a negative attitude such perceptions originate from towards educating the girl child. socialisation, which tends to keep Negative perceptions and stereotypes Aciro notes that, “Even today, women in the domestic sphere. Muhanguzi says the perception does there are cultures and religions “Because women are deemed soft and not change even among the elite. that discourage girls from weak, they are normally assigned work Many a time, girls are discouraged from pursuing education for fear of that brings out the softness in them taking up fields that are technical and men shunning them for being and it has become normal,” Aciro says. lucrative. “For instance,” Muhanguzi ‘over-educated’. Consequently, “For example,” she illustrates, “you illustrates, “at school, stereotypes women and girls hold themselves find that women are assigned nursery from teachers that girls are not good back”, she explains. She adds, or primary teaching because they are at mathematics and physics limit “And because in some cultures good at caring for people.” many of them from venturing into the girls are married off early, girls do non-traditional fields. It inculcates in not exploit their potential. Many them a negative attitude about science girls’ careers and future are cut

ARISE 66 • 9 short and jeopardised because they are “She doubles as a medical doctor married off early.” “Such practices,” Society and women emancipation just like her male counterparts, Aciro observes, “need to stop, and Today, however, the situation seems but she is a mother as well, yet this will only be possible through to be changing – women are taking the environment does not take sensitisation and strong laws.” non-traditional career paths. There into consideration her double role,” is an increasing number of female explains Ssegonga. Ssegonga adds Muhanguzi goes on to say that parents doctors, engineers and military officers. that there are still challenges with and communities should be sensitised However, women still have to contend society not trusting women enough. and made aware that girls can take up with barriers when it comes to practising For instance, many times during such non-traditional fields and even do their professions. Ssegonga, a lecturer flights, if the pilot is a woman, her better than their male counterparts. in Sociology at Ndejje University, says presence is not announced, which “People should stop the perception that the environment is yet to wholly shows that there is still a serious that some career determinants such as embrace women emancipation. This is problem of perception. strength and intelligence are a preserve coupled with structural problems at of men, or that women are supposed places of employment. “When a woman “There is need to break these wrong to do work that keeps them in the breaks the ceiling and qualifies as perceptions through awareness domestic sphere. Girls should not be a medical doctor, there are fewer or creation, and putting in place discouraged from taking up careers such no places of employment that provide systems and mechanisms that as being a medical doctor, surgeons or space for her to work with her baby,” support women in such careers to pilot on the assumption that they will he argues. These include breastfeeding do their work effectively,” Ssegonga not have time for their children and facilities, among others. says. husbands,” advises Muhanguzi.

10 • ARISE 66 WOMEN ARE THE LARGEST UNTAPPED RESERVOIR OF TALENT IN THE WORLD.

Hillary Clinton

ARISE 66 • 11 Is raising a family mission impossible for women in uniform? A case OF WOMEN in the Uganda Police Force Arise Reporter

12 • ARISE 66 “As female police officers, we try as much as possible to make family life a priority. For starters, our earnings have to contribute to the family’s overall happiness and wellbeing. There, your efforts get to be appreciated,” says Anita. “And when it comes to finding balance, there will be sacrifices you have to make in your career for your family. However, it doesn’t mean you have to give up what you love. The most important thing is to find a satisfying career that allows you to be happy in all aspects of your life — especially at home with your family,” she adds.

ecently, Anita Nakanwagi, a was allowed to get married to him/ Showing affection in public wife, mother and a police her. “The reasoning was that this not allowed officer attached to Nakifuma person is going to be with you and In the military, personnel are Police Station, took her may have access to vital information not allowed to hold hands with Rseven-year-old twin daughters for an their spouses while in uniform. about the police and the state so outing together with her husband to they had to ensure he is a right fit.” Talk about romance! Males may a popular local hangout. They had escort women or help the elderly, been there for only a few minutes The UDPF Act but affectionate hand-holding is when Nakanwagi’s phone rang. It was Such rules are no longer followed a no-go area. The reasoning is her boss calling her for an impromptu to the letter, but there are still that your spouse is required to assignment. “It’s part of the job,” rules and regulations that literally keep his or her right hand empty she said. Neither her children nor her spell out the dos and don’ts for the in order to salute at any time. husband were impressed, however. officers in uniform. For example, the Officers are also not allowed Uganda People’s Defence Forces Act to share uniforms with their This is one example, among many, states: “Every member of a regular spouses. of the challenges that women in force shall be on continuing full-time uniform face regarding work and military service and shall at all times Atuhairwe says women in family life. It is an illustration of the be liable to be employed on active uniform undergo premarital reality women in uniform have to service.” counselling where several issues ponder when starting a family. are discussed, including what Serving officers are also barred is ordinarily done for civilians. ASSP Maureen Atuhairwe - Member from sharing information about These include HIV/AIDS testing. Head of Child and Family Department operations with their spouses. The “Our officers are urged to be - Uganda Police Force (UPF) says that UDPF Act further states: “A person trustworthy in their marriages the situation has greatly improved, subject to military law who breaches and discuss parenting with their that it used to be much tougher. concealment in operation… breach spouses before marriage.” “Under the Police Standing Orders of concealment in operation means, – which we no longer follow – an among others… unauthorised release According to Sarah Chesang, a officer had to seek permission from of information.” police officer attached to Mukono the Inspector General of Police to Police Station, transparency get married,” she says. One also In the era of social media and is extremely important in had to first serve for at least five terrorism, officers may want to avoid navigating a marriage for the years before considering getting unwarranted posts about themselves women in uniform. “I am very married, and their spouses had to be and/or family members. open to my spouse and I tell investigated first before the officer him all my day’s schedule. This

ARISE 66 • 13 builds trust as he is aware of all my whereabouts,” Chesang says. There are strong restrictions in the private “I also make sure that I am in sector when it comes to pregnancy, we are constant touch with my family by indirectly not allowed to conceive because regularly calling the maid to know we are stopped from working at five months how the children are faring,” she and when we give birth, we are not given adds. maternity leave,” says Sandra Apio, a security guard with one of the private security firms in Institutional policies the country. While institutions such as the Uganda Police and Prisons Service the country. may have policies that support While in every institution there marriage and family relations for While security guards do not lose are always the dos and don’ts, women in uniform, the same cannot Apio’s and Nakanwagi’s real- be said of private security firms. their jobs upon getting pregnant, the condition does not seem to life experiences and, indeed, many more personal experiences “There are strong restrictions when it support motherhood. “You are not paid for the period spent away from of women in uniform prompts comes to pregnancy, we are indirectly the debate as to whether or not allowed to conceive because we work,” Apio says. The implication of this is that women are indirectly not raising a family is mission are stopped from working at five impossible for women in uniform. months and when we give birth, we forced to breastfeed for a very short are not given maternity leave,” says period so that they can start being Sandra Apio, a security guard with paid again. one of the private security firms in

14 • ARISE 66 Why so few? Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

ARISE 66 • 15 16 • ARISE 66 t is no secret that the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering Emojong cites the example of Margaret Stereotypes and Mathematics (STEM) are Thatcher, the former British Premier, There are stereotypes where people predominantly male with who had very few women in her associate science and maths fields Ihistorically low women’s participation. cabinet. Such women, Emojong says, with males, and humanities and arts The continued existence of gender may actually play a role in perpetuating fields with females. In addition, disparity in STEM fields over the years rather than abolishing these negative Dr Diana Atwine, the Permanent has formed one of the major themes in stereotypes. Secretary Ministry of Health, says social and academic investigation. Brian that people often hold negative Mutebi and Owen Wagabaza explore Lack of interest opinions of women in what is some of the reasons behind the smaller A 2007 meta-analysis of STEM concluded deemed masculine careers such as numbers of women in STEM. that men prefer working with things engineering. “People judge women and women prefer working with people. to be less competent than men in Barbara Birungi, the Director of When interests were classified by RIASEC ‘male jobs’ unless the women are Hive Colab and founder of Women in type (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, clearly successful in their work. But Technology Uganda, says the lack of Social, Enterprising, Conventional), even when they show competence mentorship in STEM fields is one of men showed stronger Realistic and in such jobs, some people do not the reasons why women are still few Investigative interests, and women appreciate their work.” she sums in this field. According to Birungi, the showed stronger Artistic, Social and it up. support and encouragement of a mentor Conventional interests. Sex differences can make a lot of difference in women’s favouring men were also found to be There is also the issue of self- decision to or not to pursue a career in among the more specific measures of assessment, or how individuals view STEM disciplines. interest in engineering, science and their own abilities. Research shows mathematics. that girls rate their mathematical This is particularly important for young abilities lower than boys with people who face many obstacles early In the study, Untangling Life Goals and similar mathematical achievements on in their careers. “Since these young Occupational Stereotypes in Men’s and do; girls also believe that they individuals often look to those who are Women’s Career Interest, published in have to be exceptional to succeed more established in their discipline for 2015 by the Alabama STEM Education in ‘male fields’. “As a result of this help and guidance, the responsiveness Research Team (ASERT), the major lower self-assessment in sciences and helpfulness of potential mentors is reason given by women for switching even in the face of good grades and incredibly important,” says Birungi. majors from STEM areas to non-STEM test scores, fewer girls than boys areas was that non-STEM academic aspire to pursue STEM careers,” The Queen Bee effect majors offered better education options Atwine explains. The Queen Bee effect occurs when that better matched their interests. higher-status women, particularly in Others reported a loss of interest in The importance of gender equality male-dominated professions, are far less the chosen STEM majors. Additionally, in STEM likely to help other women than their 38 per cent of female students who Ensuring that girls and women male colleagues might be. Citing a remained in STEM majors stated that have equal access to education 2004 study, Peter Emojong, a lecturer there were other academic areas that and, consequently to STEM careers; in Psychology at Makerere University, might be a better fit for their interests. this is important from the human explains that individual mobility for a rights, scientific and development member of a negatively stereotyped Dr Anne Preston’s (2004) survey of perspectives. “From a human rights group is often accompanied by a social 1,688 individuals who had left the perspective, all people are equal and and psychological distancing of oneself sciences also showed that 30 per cent should have equal opportunities, from the group. of the women considered ‘other fields including studying and working in [being] more interesting’ as their reason the field of their choice,” says This implies that successful women in for leaving. Dr Preston is a teaching Atwine. traditionally male-dominated careers do fellow at the University College London. not see their success as evidence that Her research findings in a paper enitled From a scientific perspective, the negative stereotypes about women’s “Leaving Sciences” show that advanced inclusion of women promotes quantitative and analytical abilities are science skills do not often result in scientific excellence and boosts wrong, but rather as proof that they are a woman being interested in a STEM the quality of STEM outcomes, as exceptions to these stereotypes. career. diverse perspectives aggregate

ARISE 66 • 17 creativity, reduce potential biases and promote more robust knowledge and solutions.

From a development perspective, gender inequalities in STEM education and employment perpetuate existing gender inequalities in status and income. Gender equality in STEM will ensure that boys and girls, men and women are able to acquire skills and opportunities to contribute to and benefit equally from the benefits and assets associated with STEM.

Bridging the STEM gap for women There is need to provide opportunities for mentorship and a sense of community. Dr Asher Cheptoris, a dental surgeon and founder of Sinai Dental Clinic, argues that women scientists as well as organisations can play a role in helping women in STEM overcome the academic and professional challenges unique to their gender. “Mentorship helps women recognise institutional biases or the unacknowledged gender biases in themselves or other factors that might be preventing career advancement, forcing them to feel they don’t belong, or inadvertently pushing them out of STEM,” she explains.

There is need for the academic leadership to confront institutional biases that persist against women in STEM. “Anyone in an academic role that can influence a student’s decision to stay in or leave STEM should have a professional obligation to understand their students’ concerns,” Cheptoris notes.

Emojong says there is need to introduce problem-solving learning that helps attract and retain women, in particular, by meaningfully connecting them to the societal relevance of their field. “The sooner the exposure to STEM projects that are linked to societal improvements, the better,” advices Emojong.

18 • ARISE 66 The medical field: How female health workers have changed the face of the industry Arise Reporter

W omen have always been healers. As mothers and grandmothers, women have always nursed the sick in their homes. As midwives, women have always cared for people in their communities. Yet, when medicine became established as a formal profession globally, women were shut out.

However, they didn’t seat back and look on, but rather waged a long battle to gain access to medical education and hospital training. Since then, women have overcome prejudices and discrimination to create and broaden opportunities within the profession. Gradually, they have been able to carve out successful careers in every aspect of medicine.

This article highlights the significant contributions that women have made to the health care system in Uganda by narrating stories of female doctors who work tirelessly, every day, to improve the country’s health sector with tremendous dedication, vigor, and passion.

At the World Health Organisation After graduating as a medical Africa regional office, Dr Atuhebwe doctor in 2007, Atuhebwe heads the vaccines programme in worked with the International Africa. The vaccines include the Development Research Centre HPV, oral cholera, typhoid, malaria, (IDRC) in Ottawa, Canada. She Ebola, polio, influenza, pneumonia later returned to Africa to work and the rotavirus vaccines. as a Senior Health Systems Advisor with Ipas Africa Alliance, Atuhebwe is a member of several before joining the World Health global and regional technical Organisation. advisory groups that make global Dr Phionah Atuhebwe policies in reproductive health To young girls, Atuhebwe has Mubangizi and immunisation. She holds a this advice: “Stay true to thyself master’s degree in international and work hard. Nothing comes Regional Technical public health from the University easy. Identify people you wish Advisor for the World of Leeds in the United Kingdom and to be like and find out how Health Organisation has received extensive executive they got there. Your inner circle in Africa and Asia on training in project management affects your career; get the right vaccines and innovations and leadership. people in your inner circle.”

ARISE 66 • 19 Fund has renewed its commitment to fund health programmes in the country after the financial scandal that hit the ministry. “At the time I joined the ministry I found a huge backlog of cases. Some partners had stopped giving us money because of lack of accountability.” The situation is now improving. “We do not babysit people who are not Dr Sabrina Kitaka Dr Diana Atwine accountable. I get emotional when Senior Paediatrician Permanent Secretary, I get to a hospital and find patients Ministry of Health not receiving adequate care. I would give anything for my patients,” she Dr Sabrina Kitaka is a senior lecturer says. Atwine’s philosophy is that at the Department of Paediatrics and Dr Atwine is a clinician and a there should be value and value for Child Health, Makerere University researcher. She is the Permanent money in everything that is done. College of Health Sciences. She was Secretary at the Ministry of Health a Gilead Fellow and researcher at the and former head of the Health Atwine studied human medicine Infectious Diseases Institute from Monitoring Unit at State House. at Mbarara University of Science 2003 to 2011, where she undertook For the last 20 years, Dr Atwine has and Technology before doing her a fellowship in paediatric infectious been a physician for the first family. master’s at Makerere University. diseases. Perhaps Atwine’s public profile She then studied project planning and management at the Uganda She is currently a PhD candidate at rose while she was at the Health Management Institute and clinical the school of Biomedical Sciences, Monitoring Unit. The unit recovered research at John Hopkins University. University of Antwerp, Belgium. medicines that had been stolen Her PhD study is on the growth, worth billions of shillings, development and psychosocial investigated and prosecuted several adaptation of prenatally infected workers with corrupt tendencies in Under Atwine’s adolescents in resource-limited the health sector. “To date, people leadership, the settings. still call me to arrest suspected corrupt individuals, an indicator of Ministry of Health has regained confidence Dr Kitaka provides advisory the impact the unit made. I take from key strategic services on policy and programme pride in founding the unit that made partners. For example, implementation for children a modest contribution to fighting the Global Fund and adolescents both locally and corruption in this country,” she says. has renewed its internationally. She is involved in commitment to fund conducting basic research on various At the Ministry of Health, Atwine health programmes paediatric infectious diseases and introduced regular performance in the country after offers clinical care to HIV-infected management reviews and biometric the financial scandal children and adolescents. systems in a number of health facilities, which has helped fight that hit the ministry. “At the time I joined She directs the Adolescent Health absenteeism by health workers at the ministry, I found a Training Programmes at the Makerere their stations of duty. huge backlog of cases,” University College of Health Sciences says Dr. Atwine. and is the Founding President of Under Atwine’s leadership, the the Society of Adolescent Health in Ministry of Health has regained Uganda. Kitaka is also a member of confidence from key strategic the African Paediatrics Society of partners. For example, the Global Infectious Diseases.

20 • ARISE 66 enrolling for another master’s degree the decision,” Nakibuka says. in neonatology at the University of Cape Town, South Africa and later Early in her career, Nakibuuka did returning to the hospital. internship at Rubaga Hospital, from where she was posted to a remote She has greatly contributed towards medical centre in Nkokonjeru. She reducing deaths among newborn and was 24. “The health facility had premature babies. She recalls that a high neonatal death rate and at the time she joined the hospital, the wards were disorganised. I about 10 per cent of newborn reorganised the ward and made sure Dr Victoria babies died, which number has since babies had their own section. I also Nakibuuka reduced to about 4 per cent. With trained nurses to give specialised Hospital her effort, the hospital has also care to babies. As a result of these reduced preterm deaths from 25 per initiatives, death rates reduced and Dr Victoria Nakibuuka is a renowned cent to 6 per cent. people in the community nicknamed paediatrician and neonatologist and me ‘Musaawo wa baana’.” the Breast Milk Bank at Nsambya “I hate seeing babies die,” says the Hospital, one of the revolutionary mother of three. “When I went for The daughter of a retired nurse has medical undertakings in the country, my master’s in neonatology, I had an since become one of the renowned is her brainchild. option of choosing between doing a paediatricians in the country. She PhD and clinical work. I chose the attributes her achievement to Nakibuuka, whose mother is a retired latter. I have worked on thousands teamwork, a supportive hospital nurse, completed her Master’s in of patients and seeing them live administration and prayer. paediatrics in 2007 and worked for after our intervention fills me with five years at before pride and happiness. I don’t regret

Cheptoris attended Nabisunsa Girls’ School and Gayaza High School, Cheptoris describes the situation from where she enrolled at Makerere around the country as miserable. In University for a degree in dental a single health camp, they can treat surgery. After completing her course, over 3,000 children and adults. She Cheptoris refused to look for a job also does charity activities in Kenya and opted to create employment for and Rwanda. herself and six other professionals. “All my eleven classmates went Her inspiration is her late mother- abroad for greener pastures, but I in-law. “If I am granted two hours chose to stay and serve my country,” with anyone who ever lived, I would she says. At 1:200,000, Uganda’s have loved to meet my late mother- dentist-to-patient ratio is worrying, in-law. She was a secretary and a Ashar Cheptoris the reason Cheptoris says she single mum, who raised two doctors Dental Surgeon decided to stay in the country. and a director. I would ask her how she did it and what made her tick. Ashar Cheptoris is probably the only Every year, she partners with dentists On the other hand,” she adds, “if I female dental surgeon from the from America for outreach in the were asked to come back to life as Kapchorwa sub-region. She is the remote parts of the country such as somebody else, it would definitely proprietor of Sinai Dental Clinic in Bwindi, Soroti and Kumi. “We take be myself. The only difference is, I Kampala with a clientele base as far all the equipment from the clinic and wish at age 20 I knew what I know as Tanzania, Eritrea, South Sudan camp in those places for a week,” now.” and Rwanda. she says.

ARISE 66 • 21 Experiences, needs and challenges of female prison officers Owen Wagabaza and Sasha Mumbi

t is universally known that life in prison has never been easy, but what about the life of female prison officers? IWhat are their experiences, challenges and needs? With long working hours and shifts that may begin one morning and end the next, scheduling family outings and household chores while at the same time performing well at work may not be easy for these women in uniform.

Earning the same respect as their male counterparts

The first issue normally brought up by female prisons staff is earning respect. “Many female officers deal with less supportive work colleagues, inmates, friends and family members who don’t understand their career choice,” says the Hon. Monica Amoding, the Kumi Woman Member of Parliament. “So they enter the force with the stigma that they are weak and easily converted. This makes them greater targets for many forms of

22 • ARISE 66 intolerable disrespect and misconduct. are resentful of the long hours spent unique position: not only do they It also means that they must work away from home and the inevitable endure abuse from supervisors or extra hard to convey a strong, firm changes in attitude or demeanour that co-workers; they are also dealing and unwavering disciplinary tactic, officers experience.” with it from inmates over whom yet remain professional and reasonably they wield power. approachable because of the need to The unique problem of sexual gain the respect of both inmates and harassment Harassment of female prison fellow staff, as well as friends and As recent revelations have shown, guards by inmates represents only family,” she adds. women in numerous industries have a narrow sliver of the predatory experienced sexual harassment on sexual behavior that takes place “Others,” Anna Ebaju Adeke, the the job, often at the hands of more in most workplaces in Uganda and National Female Member of Parliament, powerful colleagues. But many female the world over. adds, “come back home to spouses who corrections officers say they are in a

ARISE 66 • 23 Managing work and family life or a uniformed officer, it takes the including discrimination based on The struggle for women, in any field, balancing of work and family and sex stereotypes, pregnancy, and is to juggle home and work life. In an understanding spouse to have parenting. Our policies also support prisons, it may be even more difficult a good marriage,” female officers family life. For instance, when an because of the nature of the work that contend. “I may not be earning much officer informs us officially about the women do. but I endeavour to contribute to the his or her relationship, we try to family’s finances so that my husband make sure that s/he is posted to Matron Rachel Asiyo, a wardress in the does not only value me but my job,” a station near the spouse. If they Uganda Prisons Service, who has been says Lillian Ekikoze, a Uganda Prisons are both uniformed officers, we married for over 18 years shares that wardress. Ekikoze has since joined a make sure that they are transferred “leaving work at work is a problem women’s savings group to improve her together.” for females in corrections. A female financial situation. in corrections gives orders all day. Lillian Ekikoze attests to this. “We The stress level is high and to leave “My husband is a civilian and he have paid maternity leave of 90 work at work can be a problem. It is has no problem with my job. I have days and prior to giving birth, at difficult to relax at home to let go briefed him on all the demands of my seven months, for example, we are of that ‘take charge mind’ with the job and he is used to the nature of my allowed to put on lighter, casual husband, kids and other family. Most work,” says Gloria Ingabire, Principal clothes rather than the tight of us are still the primary caregivers Officer II in the Uganda Prisons uniforms. We also have tribunals of children and often take the lead on Service. “For example,” she illustrates, where we can front issues of domestic chores. So, if both partners “there are times when I leave him in abuse either from a colleague or in the home are working, it still may bed at 3 a.m. to go and keep watch on inmate.” be up to the female to take over the situation at the women’s prison, the primary responsibilities of the and he has no problem with it.” household. Personally, I try as much “Many female as possible to spare time for my Rachael Asio has not regretted the day officers deal with family, and when I am at home, I try she got engaged to a fellow prisons less supportive work not to talk about work issues, and officer. “He completely understands colleagues, inmates, instead have as much family-related whatever I do and the demands of my friends and family conversation as possible.” job, and supports me whenever and members who don’t wherever possible. I doubt a civilian understand their Matron Asiyo says knowing and would be as understanding as a fellow career choice. So they understanding ones partner is one uniformed officer. I call myself lucky,” enter the force with of the ways that have enabled her Asio says. the stigma that they to have a successful marriage as a are weak and easily serving prisons officer. How the Uganda Prisons Service is converted. This makes addressing the challenges them greater targets Additionally, the role that teamwork for many forms of plays at the workplace cannot be Institutional policies intolerable disrespect. understated. “I make sure that I have Frank Baine, the Uganda Prisons Service It also means that they a good working relationship with my (UPS) publicist, says UPS supports must work extra hard bosses and colleagues at work so that officers’ professional and personal to convey a strong, in case of an urgent need at home, I lives through good policies. “The firm and unwavering can easily tell one to sit in for me as UPS works to ensure that all workers, disciplinary tactic I attend to the emergency at home.” especially those facing intersecting because of the need forms of discrimination like women, to gain the respect Fellow officer or civilian spouse? have equal access to employment of both inmates and Whether your spouse is a civilian free from gender discrimination, fellow staff, as well as friends and family.

24 • ARISE 66 Women in Law Enforcement

Arise Reporter

he integration of women into law enforcement positions can be considered a large social change. A century ago, there were few jobs open to women in law enforcement. A small number of women worked as police officers and/ or security guards, and their assignments were usually limited to peripheral tasks. Women traditionally worked Tin juvenile facilities, handled crimes involving female offenders, or performed clerical tasks. In those early days,

ARISE 66 • 25 women were not considered as capable to Kawempe, Naggalama, Mukono and as men in law enforcement. Recently, currently Seeta. The Kyaligonza incident is an however, many options have opened incident I will live to remember. up, creating new possible careers, so My job has not been a bad one. Serving His bodyguards manhandled and much so that it is easy to run into a as a police officer has been a fulfilling slapped me. It was a total show police officer or security guard who job as it has given me opportunity to of disrespect to not only my is female. In this article, we bring serve my country. My good character profession as a police officer, but to you stories of some female law has helped me overcome many bad also as a woman. It is the worst enforcement officers, who shared their times that would have ruined my experience I have had since I experience with us. life as a police officer. However, like joined the police force 30 years any other job, this job too has its ago. I have not stopped wondering Being a female law enforcement occupational hazards. how a grown-up and respectable officer is not an easy job – military officer at the rank of Major Sgt Esther Namaganda, Traffic Police A normal day is characterised by General could conduct himself in Officer standing in the sweltering sun, such a horrific manner. directing vehicles on the road, I joined the police in 1988 as a police stopping some, arguing with drivers Balancing family and professional constable after my brother, who was and boda boda cyclists, and sometimes work is difficult – Sylvia Anek, then the defence secretary of our coming hard on those who break traffic security guard village in Bugiri, encouraged me to. laws by issuing express penalty tickets It was the time they were recruiting or arresting and detaining them at the I became a security guard in 2011 people to join the forces. At 20, I was police station. after dropping out of school in a bubbly vibrant young girl who had S.3 due to lack of school fees. just completed my O’ levels. Some days, I encounter incidents that After wandering around the village make a day seem not normal. You can, doing nothing, a friend tipped me I have grown through the ranks to my for example, stop an individual that of the available opportunity to join current rank of sergeant. In 2012, I has broken the traffic rules but talks a security firm that was recruiting was moved to the traffic department to you disrespectfully because you are at the time. With no job, I seized and I was first deployed to work at a woman. Those are isolated cases, the opportunity. Fortunately, I was Kampala CPS, before being transferred however; I cannot dwell on them. taken on. We underwent training.

26 • ARISE 66 Thereafter, I was deployed to guard at don’t want to be checked as they enter a bank in Kampala. the bank because they think they Peer acceptance is are very important. There is also a one of the greatest I can say the job has been of great tendency of men hitting on us all the pressures we face as help financially. I am able to look after time because they think we are cheap female law enforcers. myself and my family. This, however, and loose. The desire to be known does not mean the pay is good; it is as a “good officer” is not. We are paid very little money and It is not easy to be someone’s wife and a strong motivating after the unavoidable expenditures, at the same time a security guard. This factor, and failure to I end up remaining with nothing. It is because our work schedules many achieve that status can is not possible to take care of all my a time don’t support a happy married be very demoralizing needs. life. One day you will work on the day and devastating. Unlike shift, the next day, you are on night our male counterparts, We work in shifts and I dread the cold shift. You need to be blessed with we must overcome nights. Though we have guns, the fear an understanding husband to have a the societal prejudice of being attacked by a gang of rapists happy marriage. of being known as the is real, but that does not stop me from “weaker sex.” Many of doing my job as expected. Conceiving is also indirectly prohibited. my colleagues express Though it is not written anywhere feeling they have to For the six years I have worked as a in the rules, the fact is when your work twice as hard to security guard, I have not had any pregnancy becomes noticeable, you are nasty encounter. There are, however, told to first give birth and then come prove themselves and times when I meet people who back after. But there is no guarantee to be accepted, whereas underrate me; they show it in my face that you will find your job. For the sake male officers can just and this can be disheartening. Some of the job, therefore, you think twice show up and gain about your need to be a mother. acceptance.

ARISE 66 • 27 From work to working it, eminent women in uniform share experiences that prove they’re more than just a pretty face

Arise Reporter

Women are intelligent, creative, strong, self-driven and talented. They are also beautiful, shapely and aesthetic. Why is it, then, that women are often valued based on their looks rather than their abilities or accomplishments? The fact remains that a woman’s identity isn’t based on something as superficial as beauty, and it extends a lot deeper than her appearance. Conversations with the following women confirm that, indeed, behind every woman’s exterior is a whole plethora of talents and traits much more impressive than beauty.

Barbara Birungi Mutabazi Founder, Women in Technology Uganda (WITU) and Hive Colab Her love and passion for technology started in high school when she failed to get a seat in a computer classroom owing to the high number of students and very small number of computers. A teacher noticed a little girl who stood outside the classroom window during every lesson trying to learn. He gave her a seat.

Later, when Birungi got a job at a tech consultancy firm, she realised that she was the only woman in a group of 10 men. It was then that she conceived the idea of creating a place where young women looking for industry-relevant training opportunities, mentoring and networking opportunities could come and learn from one another. That was when the idea of Women in Technology Uganda (WITU) was conceived.

28 • ARISE 66 “Women in Technology Uganda was created as a place where women could come and learn about technology, business and leadership and, in turn, become innovators and business leaders. I wanted to create a movement of women technologists and encourage young women to become tech professionals,” says Birungi.

Birungi wanted a place that would embrace young women who have dropped out of school owing to poverty and give them hope for a bright future through technology education Hellen Izama and business development support, Principal Project Engineer at National Izama recalls her experience with link them to jobs and empower them Water and Sewage Corporation starting out in engineering in the to be part of the decision-making on Department of Plumbing. “It was issues that concern their lives and Attached to the Planning and Capital strange for my colleagues because communities. Development Department of the they had not studied or worked National Water and Sewage Corporation with female engineers. They used Birungi argues that since technology (NWSC), Izama deals with the water to tease me. But I would beat them continues to shape Africa’s economies, treatment plants and its supply for at their game by correcting their women and girls should not be left out consumption. mistakes and physically showing in this important field. them how it is done. I developed Right from school, Izama has had vital skills required for the job. In Because of her work with WITU, Birungi a passion for the sciences. “First, I the end, I got respected for my was a recipient of the Anita Borg was lucky to have a dad who was an work,” she says. Change Agent Award in 2014 and a engineer and that, I can say, was my 2017 Mandela Washington Fellowship. first encounter with the engineering Izama attended St. Joseph’s Girls’ Birungi is also the founder of Hive profession long before I got to know Secondary School Nsambya and St. Colab, an innovation hub and start-up what exactly it involved,” she says. “It Mary’s College Namagunga before incubator in Kampala. did not matter being inspired by a man joining Makerere University for but the fact that I had someone as a a Bachelor of Science in Civil role model was enough.” Engineering, and is currently Birungi argues that pursuing a master’s degree in since technology Izama says being a woman in civil engineering at the same continues to shape engineering is not rosy. “First, you university. Izama is a member Africa’s economies, belong to the minority. In engineering of the Uganda Institution of women and girls class, for example, we were only eight Professional Engineers. should not be left girls in a class of ninety students. out in this significant The situation is not much different Over the years, Izama has mentored transition. at the workplace. The problem with several young women. Through belonging to the minority is it may kill NWSC’s Young Water Professionals your confidence. Your views are not Programme, she moves out to taken seriously because you are few.” schools and offers career guidance Belonging to the minority, however, to girls, including demystifying motivates her to work harder so as to myths about sciences. succeed.

ARISE 66 • 29 Immaculate Apolot beginning of her flying experience. Manager Flight Operations, Civil Aviation Safety and Security Nevertheless, the challenges never Oversight Agency ceased. She recalls an incident when she was preparing to fly Apolot trained at the East African Civil passengers to Adjumani. “Being a Aviation School in Soroti, from where small young girl fresh from Soroti she graduated as a professional pilot in Flying School, one passenger 1999. She was the second female pilot stubbornly said he could not be and the first to venture into general flown by a young girl. Fortunately, aviation. my captain intervened and told him off. He was advised to either After graduation, Apolot worked with stay or allow to be flown by a several organisations, including United female. Airlines, Eagle Air, FEEDER Airlines in Juba and Uganda Air Cargo. In 2015, Apolot joined the Civil Aviation Authority as a Flight Being the first Ugandan female pilot in Inspector. In November 2017, general aviation, Apolot says she has she was appointed Manager Flight had her share of challenges. Even after Operation at the Civil Aviation Safety graduating as a professional pilot like and Security Oversight Agency. In her male counterparts, Apolot could 2018, during the International not be immediately recruited. This was Women’s Day celebrations, Apolot not because she was incompetent but was recognised with a medal of because the companies she approached excellence. were sceptical about employing her since she is a woman.

“People assumed I could not handle certain assignments because I am a Nevertheless, the woman,” she recalls. For example, on challenges never many occasions, when she appeared ceased. She recalls before an interview panel, the first an incident when question the panellists asked her was, she was preparing “What if you got pregnant?” to fly passengers to Adjumani. “Being a This meant that Apolot would not small young girl fresh have to conceive or else risked losing from Soroti Flying her job. Such conditions automatically School, one passenger made her postpone plans of becoming stubbornly said he a mother. could not be flown by woman. Fortunately, Apolot got a breakthrough when she my captain intervened met Captain Elly Aluvale, a Kenyan and told him off. pilot and proprietor of United Airlines. Aluvale got interested in employing Apolot as a female pilot. Her first assignment was to fly the late Gen. Kazini to DRC. She flew a five-seater chartered plane and that marked the

30 • ARISE 66 Lt. Colonel Edith Nakalema United Kingdom. She is the first attended Mbarara Junior School Head of State House Anti-Corruption Ugandan military officer to enrol at and Rwentanga Primary School for Unit the academy and the second in Africa. her primary education. Later, she joined Rutoma Secondary School Edith Nakalema is a serving Uganda Nakalema’s recent appointment to for O’ level and Kibubura Girls People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Officer. head the Anti-Corruption Unit at State School for A’ level. She thereafter Her reason for joining the military House, a job outside the military, joined Uganda College of Commerce was to make a personal contribution got her to work, or at least learn Kabale for a diploma in Business to the transformation of Uganda’s to work, with government structures Studies, graduating in 1998. In security forces. With a diploma in and bureaucracies. “I am naturally 2010, while she was a Finance business studies from Uganda College a fast paced person, but I am glad Officer at the Special Forces Group of Commerce Kabale, Nakalema first I am learning to abide by the rules (SFG), Nakalema pursued a degree worked in the Accounts Office of the (bureaucracies),” she notes. in Logistics and Procurement UPDF. Management at Nkumba University. Upholding Christian values and the She rose through the ranks of the determination to make a personal UPDF up to lieutenant colonel. She was contribution to developing Uganda are recently appointed to head the Anti- her strongest points. Corruption Unit at State House, after successfully completing a 14-month The first-born of five children, Higher Command and Staff course at Nakalema was born to Eiyasafu and the Joint Services Command and Staff Midrace Sserwadda of Kashari village College in Watchfield, Oxfordshire, in Mbarara district in 1974. She

ARISE 66 • 31 THERE IS NO TOOL FOR DEVELOPMENT MORE EFFECTIVE THAN THE EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN.

Kofi Annan

32 • ARISE 66 STREET TALK on public perceptions of women in military, law enforcement and STEM careers

STEM and law enforcement fields such as the police and the military have traditionally been male-dominated. However, times have since changed and more women have joined professions once seen as a preserve of men. Despite the changes, Owen Wagabaza found out that people’s perceptions about women in professions seen as non-traditional for women, still vary.

Lwamasaka Nsereko Farmer, Gombe Wakiso

It is a normal thing for women to pursue careers in the military, law enforcement or sciences. Ugandan women have been empowered by the government over the years and I think they are now ready to take on anything. Unlike before when we would get shocked on seeing such women, today women do all kinds of things. Anything a man can do, they do, so as a result, it has become normal. We are happy for them and they should keep at it.

ARISE 66 • 33 Emilia Male Proprietor, Kutegeragana Metal Fabricators, Kiwatule

It is normal; it does not shock me in any way. When I was doing my course at a vocational institute, there was a girl who was doing mechanical engineering and everyone knew her, and respected her for only one reason, having taken such a bold move. It was very unusual then for a woman to take a science course, for they were known to be tailors, nurses, teachers and the like. But times have changed, women are doing things that we never thought they can do. Women emancipation is at its peak.

Allan Kitetika Builder, Najjera

The need to survive in life has forced women to do all kinds of jobs. The need for money is the root cause of all this. Women should be at home grooming children to become better people who will change the world. Unfortunately, not only have they left the kitchen, they have taken up jobs that used to be for men because of money. We are living in a generation of gender equality. I have got used to it and I have no problem with it

34 • ARISE 66 Nakintu Jacinta Vegetable farmer, Nakifuma

Seeing women in STEM careers or law enforcement does not move me; it is normal. I will confess, though, that seeing women in the military has never ceased to shock me. Military careers are not for the fainthearted, but rather the fearless who are ready to kill. Naturally, women don’t have such ‘hearts’ and whenever I see a fellow woman dressed in a UPDF attire, I see a hard-hearted woman with no emotions. I doubt I will ever get used to it.

Geoffrey Mutegeki Senior journalist,

Basically, what comes to my mind is that everything is possible for every human being, whether male or female. Both can succeed if given the opportunity. I have seen women who are doing far better than men in fields presumed to be for men. This shows that women can equally do the same things as men; they were all created with the same abilities. Given the right environment, training and opportunities, the sky is the limit for each one of us.

ARISE 66 • 35 Annet Nalwanga Businesswoman

Seeing a woman in a STEM career or in law enforcement has become normal. They are all over; wherever you go, you find them and, as such, we have got used to them. However, I still get amazed when I see women in the military. I keep wondering whether they go to the frontline and fight like men, or they just remain in offices to do other things like cerical work. But the equality we are seeing today is the result of women fighting to be equal to men, to do things that men do and I think we have finally achieved it.

Portia Kukundakwe Administrative Assistant, Vision Group

As a woman, when I see a woman doing jobs that were for years presumed to be for men, I feel proud. First you would get surprised, but after internalising it, you get the confidence that you can also attain the same heights. I therefore get inspiration from such women. My pride and confidence get boosted on seeing women doing jobs previously believed to be a reserve for men.

36 • ARISE 66 BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Becoming

Author: Michelle Obama

Date of publication: 13 /11/ 2018

Publisher: Crown

REVIEWER: Belinda Kyomuhendo

I’d been lucky to have parents, teachers, presumed grace assigned to my white readers that black women, like and mentors who’d fed me with a predecessors,” she writes, “I knew it any other group, experience the consistent, simple message: You matter. was not likely to be the same for me. heartbreak of infertility, as she As an adult, I wanted to pass those … My grace would need to be earned.” describes the challenges she and words to a new generation. She adds, “I stood at the foot of the her husband confronted in order to mountain, knowing I’d need to climb my become parents. It’s not hard to understand why Michelle way into favour.” Obama’s Becoming became the fastest- The book is about a woman who selling book of 2018. One page in, and She writes in the confident cadence ultimately transcended her worries you find yourself wondering how you we have come to recognise from her to become one of the most popular could feel such a deep connection to campaign speeches, looking back at her First Ladies in history. As a measure the former First Lady without ever being youth from within the aspiring heart of of the public’s adoration, her blessed with her presence beyond a TV a daughter of South Side Chicago. Over memoir sold more than 1.4 million screen. Or, in this case, a 448-page and over, from high school to the White copies in its first week and quickly memoir. House, she asks, “Am I good enough?” became the best-selling book of 2018. While many of the 45 First Ladies who In finally telling her story, Obama Perhaps it’s because she details her preceded her were the daughters of is doing several things with this journey to the White House in such wealthy merchants (Edith Roosevelt), book. She is taking the world by the a real, intimate way – teaching us bankers (Ida McKinley), judges hand on an intimate tour of everyday many lessons that we will always (Helen Taft) and slaveholders (Martha African-American life and ambition, carry with us, like the uselessness Washington and Julia Grant), Michelle while recounting her rise from modest of asking someone what they want Obama was a descendant of the very origins to the closest this country to be when they grow up (we play caste of people that some of the has to nobility. She writes about the many roles throughout our lives, previous first ladies had owned. She tension women face in a world that which makes it impossible to choose knew, as she held the Lincoln Bible at speaks of gender equality but in which just one thing) and the importance her husband’s swearing-in, that she women still bear the greater burdens of consistently reminding ourselves would be held to a different standard of balancing career and family, even that our voices matter. from that moment forward, her every with a forward-thinking husband like gesture scrutinised. “If there was a Barack Obama. And she is reminding

ARISE 66 • 37 BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Women in STEM Careers

Editors: Diana Bilimoria & Linley Lord

YEAR : 2014

Publisher: Cheltenham & UK Edward Elgar

REVIEWER: Belinda Kyomuhendo

The fields of Science, Technology, of the capacity for innovation hinges need to examine this collection. Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) on their talents. Adopting an international continually bring innovation and perspective, this book draws on improvement to our daily lives, besides Clearly, the full participation of current research from the United offering the potential for the expansion women and men in STEM workforces States, Australia and Europe that of business and employment. Science is necessary to solidify and grow examine women’s participation, and technology are applied to discover competitive advantage in the coming advancement and leadership in new opportunities and solve problems, years and decades, yielding long-term STEM fields. The book explores and to shape the formation, design benefits to the economy. the nature of STEM careers across and development of new products industry and academia, and presents and innovative production processes. However, although more women than the latest thinking on successful Advanced knowledge and skills in men now graduate from universities, individual, organisational and science and technology offer distinct women continue to face challenges educational initiatives related to advantages to compete and win in in STEM fields such as engineering, women in STEM. It is an invaluable today’s fast-paced global business communications, mining and resource for scholars, practitioners environment. university STEM teaching and research. and policy-makers in organisations Though progress is slowly being made, and government, as well as for With this increasing importance of much more needs to be done. Diana women aspiring to or presently science and technology for global Bilimoria and Linley Lord, along working in STEM fields. economic competitiveness and growth, with their international contributors, considerable attention is being paid address these concerns using theory to these industries as career choices and research evidence, and also offer for women and men. Individuals with solutions. Organisational managers and STEM expertise have become critical government administrators interested for the success of both the industrial in increasing women’s participation and academic sectors as the expansion and advancement in STEM disciplines

38 • ARISE 66 WOMEN NEED TO SHIFT FROM THINKING ‘I’M NOT READY TO DO THAT’ TO THINKING ‘I WANT TO DO THAT AND I’LL LEARN BY DOING IT.

Sheryl Sandberg

ARISE 66 • 39 For More Information Contact The Executive Director Action For Development ACFODE House Plot 623/624 Lutaya Drive Bukoto P.O.Box 16729 Kampala - Uganda Tel: +256 414 531 812, +256 393 114 890 Email: [email protected] : www.acfode.org : https://www.facebook.com/ACFODE : @acfode