31/07/2024
Women Breaking Barriers in Business: A Spotlight on Tassels Films and the Recycling Revolution
For centuries, women faced significant barriers in the business world, often restricted from participating in corporate and entrepreneurial activities. However, over time, these barriers have gradually diminished, with women increasingly stepping into leadership roles across various industries. The shift towards gender inclusivity in business has been marked by remarkable achievements by women, who have not only entered but excelled in domains traditionally dominated by men.
In Uganda, one such trailblazer is Atusasire Barbara, the visionary leader behind Tassels Films. Known for her dynamic leadership and creative prowess, Barbara has made significant strides in the Ugandan film industry. Her company, Tassels Films, focuses on producing educational and entertaining content, particularly for young audiences, and has been instrumental in promoting safe media practices. Beyond filmmaking, Barbara has championed the cause of women in business through various initiatives, including the successful organization of the 2nd Women Business Expo on July 30, 2024, at the National Theatre.
The expo, themed "Financial Coaching for International Business Growth," was a platform for empowering women in business. It featured prominent female leaders such as Prof. Mauda Kamatenesi, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Stuart University, Madam CEO Arinda Jackie the CEO of JADA Coffee, Nalongo Patricia the CEO of Urembo Ecoprenure representing Sawa World Solutions, Ms. Nancy Kalembe, a former presidential candidate, Ms Winifred Masiko of the Uganda Women's Empowerment Project (UWEP)among other prominent women. Notably, Isaac Michael Kuteesa, CEO of the Zwap Foundation, participated as the only male panelist, highlighting the interconnectedness of women in business and waste management.
During the expo, Kuteesa emphasized the significant potential of the recycling industry as a pathway for international business growth. He discussed his motivation behind the recycling business, which stemmed from a personal tragedy of losing a beloved relative to cancer that highlighted the health risks of inadequate waste management. Kuteesa elaborated on how waste, often seen as a problem, can be transformed into a valuable resource, offering vast business opportunities. He provided practical insights into tapping into the recycling market, marketing recycled products, and the processes involved in recycling. Kuteesa also showcased products made from recycled materials, demonstrating the tangible benefits of waste transformation. Mr Kuteesa is the Women in Climate Conference 2023 Outstanding Male Champion in Climate Action Award Winner, with his organization through collaborations, they have distributed and installed over 480 prefabricated biogas systems across Uganda and supports the production and sale of over 2700 kgs of briquettes every week and over 15,000 participants have benefited from our training programs.
The event was attended by a diverse audience, including students from Kololo High School and St. Kizito SS Bugoloobi, highlighting the importance of educating the next generation about sustainable practices and business opportunities in waste management.
This expo not only celebrated the achievements of women in business but also underscored the critical role of sustainability and waste management in driving economic growth. With leaders like Atusasire Barbara and Isaac Michael Kuteesa, Uganda is making strides toward a more inclusive and sustainable future in business.
Green Growth Africa Greening Uganda Global Green Growth Institute Uganda Greening Australia Climate Clock Sustainability Pathways with Kirsty Bishop-Fox Barbie Kyagulanyi UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency Global Initiative for Young Environmental Stewards Judith Heard Foundation Save the Children International Renewable Energy CSO Network Gugudde TV Uganda GGGI Mongolia GGGI Pacific Global Green Growth Institute Global Green Growth Institute Cambodia GGGI Caribbean GGGI Nepal GGGI Philippines Guardian Environment Gen Mega Dee Global Green Growth Institute Sénégal LWF Jordan Enabel Marc de Café Million Trees Foundation Inc. Conservation Think Tank Uganda Climate Cafe Network Hub Conservative think tanks Focus for life Development Link.