As the world marks International Women’s Day, stories of women challenging stereotypes and transforming their lives are emerging from places once considered unlikely.
At Sino Uganda Industrial Park in Mbale, young women are stepping into roles traditionally dominated by men, gaining practical skills and improving their livelihoods.
Among them is 23-year-old Ariana Nanyanzi, a determined young woman who operates an excavator at the industrial park — a job often associated with men.
From a distance, it is almost impossible to tell that the person controlling the massive machine is a woman. But behind the controls is Ariana, confidently maneuvering the heavy equipment as part of her daily work.
Nanyanzi joined the industrial park in 2022 at the age of 19 as a spanner girl. However, her curiosity and fascination with heavy machinery soon drew her toward the equipment department.
Today, after years of learning and practice, she works as a senior machine operator.
“It took me about four months to learn how to operate the machine properly,” Ariana says.
Her work involves more than just driving the excavator. Nanyanzi says she has developed mechanical knowledge that enables her to identify and diagnose faults whenever the machine breaks down.
“From childhood, I admired builders, mechanics, electrical engineers and drivers. Being able to do this work today is a dream come true,” she says.
Despite working in an environment dominated by men, Nanyanzi says she has found it easy to collaborate with her colleagues.
“They treat me like a sister. We work together as friends and as brothers,” she explains.
The job has significantly improved her livelihood. Ariana says she is now able to support herself and help her siblings meet their needs.
Her colleague, Muliga Daniel, describes her as hardworking and determined.
“Ariana is patient, passionate and hardworking. Her success is a result of gradual development. Many young people today want quick success, but they overlook the process of learning and growth,” Daniel says.
Ariana’s story is one among many emerging from the industrial park, where women who might otherwise have dropped out of school are finding new opportunities in the industrial sector.
One such woman is Nabwire Sharon Sarah, who has worked with Sino Uganda for ten years.
Nabwire initially trained as a nursing assistant and hoped to pursue a nursing career. However, due to lack of tuition, she was forced to abandon her certificate studies.
In 2016, she joined the Comfoam Mattress Factory within the industrial park.
Her dedication quickly stood out. Within just one month, she was promoted to supervisor.
Over the years, her daily wage increased from Shs5,000 to Shs17,000 as she gained experience and responsibility.
She first supervised the sawing and cutting department before eventually being promoted to manager, where she now oversees 17 workers.
“This job has improved my livelihood. I am able to pay school fees for my child and support my parents,” Nabwire says.
As the only child in her family, Nabwire says the responsibility of supporting her parents rests entirely on her shoulders.
“My parents depend on me, and this job has helped me take care of them,” she adds.
Stories like those of Nanyanzi and Nabwire highlight the role industrial development is playing in expanding employment opportunities for women in Uganda.
Industrial parks across the country have been promoted by the government as part of a broader strategy to boost manufacturing, attract investment and create jobs, particularly for young people and women.
Research on gender equality in Uganda indicates that women’s participation in skilled work not only improves household incomes but also strengthens community development and economic resilience.
At Sino Uganda Industrial Park in Mbale, the workforce reflects this shift. The park employs about 13,500 people, with women accounting for approximately 65 percent of the workforce.
For many of these women, the opportunity to learn practical skills has become a pathway to independence and dignity.
And as the world celebrates women’s achievements, Nanyanzi’s message to other young women remains simple.
“Do not limit yourself. Embrace any work you are passionate about. If you work hard and believe in yourself, you can achieve your dreams.”