Finding an opportunity in a crisis: Female Painters Brigade (FPB)

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Government to institute a lock down which contributed to further negative effect on Uganda’s economy, forcing many young women out of employment. Closure of businesses had a severe effect on jobs dominated by women forcing many young women to look at marriage and sexual exploitation as a source of livelihood. This left me thinking on how best young women can be supported to lead a meaning full life. I thought about interior and exterior painting as some thing that would employ more young women, but unfortunately, very few had the needed skills. Bearing in mind that Uganda ‘s construction industry is fast growing, creating an opportunity for the painting industry to thrive, with few women currently employed in this sector, I continued to share my idea of starting up a Female Painters Brigade ( FPB).

Like every new starting idea, you need to believe in yourself, I shared but I could not raise the financial support. This did not pull me down, I insisted on sharing this idea and in December 2021, we received support to train 10 vulnerable young women in Interior and exterior painting. This has been a 3 months residential training that has imparted practical skills to young women.

 All I can say is amidst all challenges, we need to push for what we believe in.