A powerful conversation on the hidden struggles of professional women unfolded last Thursday during Hallmark Insights’ X Space Women’s Month celebration. In an emotionally charged panel discussion, marketing professional Lois Kwikiriza captured the audience’s attention with her raw and poignant reflection: “Stress is the start, and burnout is the result.” Her words resonated deeply, highlighting the often-unspoken emotional and mental toll on working women across Uganda.
The discussion provided a platform for women to share, acknowledge, and address the silent battle against burnout. Moderator Allen Ssempa emphasized the need for a paradigm shift, stating, “What we’re discussing today is not just about productivity; it’s about human dignity. Behind every professional woman is a complex universe of responsibilities, dreams, and challenges.” Co-moderator Steven Kirenga added, “We cannot continue to ask women to be superhuman. It’s time we create systems that support their humanity.”
Kwikiriza, a mother of three and a successful marketing professional, shared a deeply personal account of the relentless juggling between career, family, and societal expectations. “Every day, I choose where I’m going to win,” she revealed, introducing her “daily win” strategy – a method of intentional prioritization that acknowledges the impossibility of excelling in all areas simultaneously.
The discussion shifted from personal experiences to actionable solutions, with the panel advocating for structural workplace changes to better support women. Key recommendations included nursing rooms that acknowledge the balance between motherhood and professional life, flexible work schedules to accommodate life’s unpredictable demands, comprehensive medical insurance covering reproductive health and hormonal therapy, and networking opportunities designed with women’s realities in mind.
A critical point of discussion was the disparity in networking opportunities. Kirenga highlighted the challenge: “While men connect in bars and on golf courses, women are managing entire ecosystems at home. Our networking structures must evolve to reflect this fundamental difference.”
As the discussion progressed, the energy in the room was palpable—a mixture of recognition, pain, and hope. Women nodded in agreement, some with tears in their eyes, others with a renewed sense of determination. The conversation was more than an exchange of ideas; it was a collective emotional journey toward change.
Kwikiriza’s sports analogy left a lasting impact: “Men’s and women’s basketball teams are separate, but both play basketball. Similarly, men and women can work equally but have different needs.” This analogy underscored the essence of workplace equity—not sameness, but fairness.
The panel challenged an entrenched notion: that professional success should not come at the cost of personal well-being. Instead, it proposed a radical idea—that women’s well-being is not a luxury, but a necessity for societal progress.
In his closing remarks, Ssempa delivered a powerful call to action: “We must create a world where women don’t just survive their professional journeys but truly thrive. Our collective progress depends on our ability to see, hear, and genuinely support every woman’s unique path.”
As the event concluded, one thing was clear: this was more than just a conversation. It was a defining moment in the fight for workplace equity, resilience, and the well-being of Uganda’s professional women.
See also: The challenges faced by female founders in the startup world
