KAMPALA UGANDA 04 MAY 2026— For generations, a persistent myth has lingered in various communities: “When a woman leads in business, the home suffers.” But a transformative national initiative is now proving the exact opposite.
The Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project—a flagship initiative by the Government of Uganda—is on a mission to show that supporting a woman’s professional ambition doesn’t just build a business; it strengthens the very foundation of the Ugandan family.
Breaking the Myth
The GROW Project is challenging the outdated notion that women must choose between professional success and domestic stability. According to project advocates, women’s leadership actually serves as a catalyst for:
Enhanced Family Planning: Empowered women often have better access to health information and resources.
Reduced Household Stress: Increased financial security alleviates the primary source of tension in many homes.
Collective Growth: When a woman thrives, she reinvests in her children’s education and the family’s health, helping the entire household grow stronger together.
Implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) alongside the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), GROW is backed by a substantial grant from the World Bank.
The project is specifically designed to transition women-owned enterprises from “micro” to “small” and from “small” to “medium.” By providing a “wrap-around” package of services—including mentorship, trade-specific training, and affordable credit—the project is tackling the systemic barriers that have historically held female entrepreneurs back.
”Support her leadership. Strengthen the home.”
— The GROW Project Mission
How to Get Involved
The project is currently active nationwide, offering resources for women in various sectors, from agriculture to manufacturing. For women looking to increase their productivity and competitiveness, the government has established several touchpoints:
