Innovating My Way to Empowerment
Northern Uganda | 07 September 2026 | Text By Kadlah Nabakembo | Photos By Gulu Hands of Women
Learning hairdressing has helped me realise that my creativity can become a source of income for me and my family.”
My name is Catherine, a young woman from Northern Uganda. Growing up in a community affected by the challenges of post-conflict recovery has not always been easy, but I have continued to look for opportunities that can help me build a better and more independent future.
Through the SIYEP Project and the support provided through AAIN’s incubation programme, I received vocational training that has helped me strengthen my hairdressing skills while encouraging me to be creative, innovative and confident in what I can produce.
During one of our talent demonstrations, I decided to put my skills to the test by creating an original hairstyle that I call the “Pencil.” I designed and plaited the hairstyle for my customer, Sarah, who was impressed with the final result.
She paid me UGX 25,000 for the service.
For me, that UGX 25,000 meant much more than earning money from a hairstyle. I was able to use the income to contribute towards my household needs. More importantly, it showed me that the skills I am learning can become a real livelihood.
The experience has encouraged me to continue improving my work, listening to what customers want and developing new hairstyles that can distinguish my services from others. I now see hairdressing not simply as a skill, but as an opportunity to build my own enterprise and become economically independent.
I am grateful to AAIN and the SIYEP Project for giving young women like me an opportunity to discover our abilities and turn our talents into income.
My journey is only beginning. I want to keep learning, keep creating and grow my skills into a sustainable business that can support me, my family and, one day, create opportunities for other young women too.
