Stakeholders have renewed calls for greater financial inclusion among women, warning that limited access to formal financial services continues to hinder economic empowerment and participation in national development. They say improving financial literacy, expanding access to affordable credit, and strengthening supportive policies are critical to unlocking the economic potential of Uganda's young women.

Women remain central to Uganda's economic growth, contributing significantly to household incomes, entrepreneurship, and community development.

However, despite progress in expanding financial services, many women continue to face barriers that limit their participation in the formal financial sector.

Cultural norms, limited financial literacy, and strict collateral requirements remain among the major challenges preventing women from accessing loans, savings products, and other financial services.

As a result, many continue to rely on informal financial systems such as Village Savings and Loan Associations and mobile money platforms to manage their finances.

To address these challenges, Financial Sector Deepening Uganda has continued to convene stakeholders from the financial sector, government, and development partners to explore practical solutions aimed at increasing financial inclusion and economic productivity among women.

Speaking during one of the engagements, financial consultant Paelo Anthea identified low financial literacy levels, inadequate savings opportunities, and limited access to affordable credit as some of the key obstacles affecting women's economic advancement.

She emphasised the need for targeted financial education programmes to equip women with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed financial decisions and grow sustainable businesses.

Meanwhile, policy, legal and regulatory specialist Joseph Lutwama commended government efforts to promote financial inclusion through various reforms and initiatives.

However, he stressed that more deliberate interventions are needed to address the unique challenges faced by young women seeking to participate in the formal economy.

He noted that expanding access to financial services will not only empower women economically but also contribute significantly to poverty reduction, job creation, and national development.

Stakeholders now believe that strengthening financial literacy, increasing access to affordable financial products, and creating an enabling policy environment will be essential in building a more inclusive financial system that benefits women across the country.

As Uganda advances its financial inclusion agenda, experts say empowering women financially remains one of the most effective pathways toward achieving sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity.