Empowering Young Women in Uganda

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WHY SMART GIRLS UGANDA

OUR STORY

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WHO WE ARE

Founded in 2015, Smart Girls Uganda is a purpose-driven organization working to close the gender gap in male-dominated trades and technology sectors. With deep roots in community development and gender equity, we empower young women and girls from disadvantaged backgrounds by equipping them with practical vocational and digital skills to transform their lives and communities.

WHO ARE WE?

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Only 53% of girls aged 6–12 complete primary school.
Just 22.5% of females enroll in secondary education.
Only 27% of female students consider STEM or trades as a career path, compared to 61% of males.
The STEM and trades sectors remain overwhelmingly male-dominated. Women hold less than 20% of tech leadership roles, and 39% report gender bias as a barrier to promotion. We are here to change that narrative.

SMART GIRLS

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SKIP

WE ARE

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JUST SKIP

Smart Girls Uganda is a girl-centered, nonprofit organization founded in 2015. We are dedicated to empowering and mentoring girls and young women through programs that build confidence, life skills, and economic independence.

WHO WE ARE

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SMART GIRLS
UGANDA

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SKIP

One of the key pillars of our work is entrepreneurship. We believe that
by encouraging and supporting girls and women in their
entrepreneurial endeavors, we are not only empowering individuals
but also driving economic growth and social change. Through
mentorship, access to capital, and business development programs,
we are nurturing a generation of women who are not afraid to take
risks, innovate, and make a lasting impact.

SMART GIRLS
UGANDA

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Our Vision is to see a nation where girls have self-esteem, engaged,
ability to make decisions and create visionary change

WHO WE ARE

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WHY SMART
GIRLS UGANDA

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To date we have been able to graduate/certify 312 girls through our girls with tools
in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and fashion.
60% are already working in existing workshops like tyre express, Mantrac Uganda
(distributors of CAT), Niyo garage, Gotv and so many more .
40% of those have started up their own workshops (20 start-ups) and use our
training centre as office space.

WHY SMART
GIRLS UGANDA

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We have been able to make and distribute 31,004 smart bags that have helped to
keep in school 31,004 adolescent girls in rural and refugee areas in Uganda ( Some
of these girls have ended up to be beneficiaries of our skilling programs too). 160
young women are employed in making these bags.

SMART GIRLS
UGANDA

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JUST SKIP

SKIP

By fostering a culture of respect, support, and collaboration, we are
breaking down barriers and paving the way for a more equitable
society.

ABOUT

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WHO WE ARE

Our Founding Story

Mission & Vision

Our mission is to

To empower and uplift young women and girls from disadvantaged communities by providing access to skills, mentorship, and innovative opportunities that inspire economic independence and positive social change.,

Our Vision: is to create a future where young women and girls are empowered to thrive through skills, innovation, and limitless opportunities..
Smart Girls Uganda has trained over 1,000 young women in hands-on vocational skills like electrical installation and automotive repair. Now, we’re taking the next bold step, helping these changemakers turn their skills into real, sustainable businesses.

What We Do

How We Work

Smart Girls Uganda works through Four main Life changing programmes:

We understand that empowerment goes beyond education. It also
involves creating a safe and inclusive environment where women can
thrive. Our organization is dedicated to promoting gender equality,
challenging societal norms, and advocating for girls/women’s rights.
By fostering a culture of respect, support, and collaboration, we are
breaking down barriers and paving the way for a more equitable
society. Empowering Girls with Digital Skills for a Brighter Future, We are equipping young women with essential skills to help them thrive in today’s digital world and become leaders in their communities.

Our Achievements

Through our programs below we have been able to impact and make the following achievements.

To date we have been able to graduate/certify 312 girls through our girls with tools in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and fashion. 60% are already working in existing workshops like tyre express, Mantrac Uganda (distributors of CAT), Niyo garage, Gotv and so many more . 40% of those have started up their own workshops (20 start-ups) and use our training centre as office space.

Why we exist

Only 53% of girls aged 6–12 complete primary school.
Just 22.5% of females enroll in secondary education.
Only 27% of female students consider STEM or trades as a career path, compared to 61% of males.
The STEM and trades sectors remain overwhelmingly male-dominated. Women hold less than 20% of tech leadership roles, and 39% report gender bias as a barrier to promotion. We are here to change that narrative.

Meet The Team Behind The Mission

Dedicated, passionate, and purpose-driven — our team is committed to empowering Uganda’s next generation of women leaders.

OUR PROGRAMS INCLUDE

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Girls with tools

vocational training in technical trades

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ICT Literacy Bootcamps

reaching 400 girls annually, including 20%
boys for inclusivity

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HCD Business Innovation Program

helps alumni start and grow businesses
through Human-Centered Design

STORIES OF CHANGE

Sharifah

Sharifah on the right is a single mother of 2 children who had no education, now with other 4 girls she is employed at Motor Care Uganda. She learnt to write, English, Basic maths and mechanical skills at Smart Girls Uganda.

Amongi Lillian and Shallom

Amongi Lillian Mary and Shallom who are current graduates now employed with Nexus green and Mantrac Uganda respectively. Lillian dropped out of school in secondary four while Shalom Khayinza secondary six.