Community Economic Inclusion
Community Economic Inclusion
Despite efforts to enhance access to finance and promote economic empowerment for youth and women in Uganda through various skill-building and financial support programs, significant challenges to economic inclusion persist. These challenges include widespread poverty, high-income inequality, a large segment of the population working in the vulnerable agricultural sector, and, most importantly, limited job opportunities for youth and women within communities. Furthermore, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, the estimated working population was 18.3 million, while only 43% of this population was employed by 2021. This means an estimated 10.4 million individuals were unemployed. We believe this number has greatly increased.
At iFancy, we challenge the prevailing notion that job scarcity plagues Uganda and other East African nations. Contrary to this belief, we assert that a wealth of opportunities exists within our communities, waiting to be harnessed. The crux of the issue lies in the connection between skilled individuals and those who require their services. By facilitating this connection, we can significantly enhance the standard of living throughout our communities.
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Establishing user-friendly, cost-free platforms that foster interaction and engagement is central to overcoming the perceived barriers to employment. These platforms can serve as vital conduits, enabling individuals to showcase their skills, talents, and services to a broader audience. For instance, a digital marketplace can allow a nanny to showcase her skills, while skilled professionals in fields such as information technology, agriculture, or healthcare can offer their expertise to local businesses or individuals in need.
Moreover, such platforms can offer training modules and resources, empowering individuals to further develop their skill sets. By promoting continuous learning, we create a workforce that is not only employable but also adaptable to the marketplace’s evolving demands. The ripple effect of these initiatives can lead to increased productivity, economic growth, and enhanced welfare for the community, especially youth and women.
The belief that jobs are absent in East Africa is a misconception that can be dismantled through strategic action. One way to do this is to leverage accessible and free platforms to connect skilled individuals with service seekers.