By Flavia Ajok
More than 70 women working at the Railway Business Community workshop in Masindi Town have defied the long-held belief that carpentry is a man’s job.
As the Country prepares to celebrate the International Women’s Day, these women engaged in a male dominated job say woodwork has transformed their lives, enabling them to provide for their families and gain financial independence.
Dina Byaitaka, 55, joined the workshop during the Covid-19 pandemic after losing her previous source of income and as a mother with school-going children, she sought employment at the Railway workshop to sustain her family. Today she says her carpentry has enabled her to pay school fees and meet basic household needs.
Oliver Katusiime, 28, recalls starting out by brushing timber at the workshop. With time, she acquired carpentry skills and can now make furniture such as chairs, beds, and tables. She encourages fellow women to embrace woodwork, emphasizing that women are equally capable of excelling in the trade.
For 24-year-old Shakila Karungi, carpentry marked a turning point. Previously working at a bar, she transitioned to woodwork and now produces various furniture items. Through support from the Emyooga program, she also started rearing pigs and domestic birds, which supplement her income from carpentry.
Zam Katusiime, 30, has worked at the workshop as a sandpaper duster for three years. Despite being able to provide for her three children after being abandoned by the family head, she notes that the group relies on manual tools. She appeals to the government to provide modern equipment to ease their work and improve productivity.
Sylvia Atuhaire says carpentry has enabled her to pay school fees, rent, and buy food. She advises women to embrace any available work opportunity rather than remain idle.
According to Benjamin Ochiru, chairperson of the Railway Business Community, the workshop employs 380 workers and of these 80 are women. He notes that the number of women increased during the Covid-19 pandemic, many joining initially as sand dusters but eventually acquiring skills to produce beds, chairs, cupboards, and other furniture.
