COFTU Women empowers members through skills training and solidarity that spark income and leadership.

“When women rise, communities transform.”

I am Grace Loyo Nyarua, a trade unionist by training and practice, and a woman leader by passion. Today, I serve as the Chairperson of the COFTU National Women Committee and Child Labour Focal Person at the COFTU Secretariat, Ntinda.

My journey in the labour movement has been guided by one belief that women’s empowerment is not just about inclusion, but about transformation. Leadership, to me, is about creating spaces where women can rise, thrive, and impact their families, workplaces, and the nation at large.

Building Women through Skills and Solidarity

At COFTU Women, empowerment is practical and purposeful. Together with our members, we have organized skills drives, learning workshops, and innovation sharing sessions that have turned potential into productivity.

Through training in thread bag weaving, beadwork, liquid soap and jelly making, and value addition in agriculture, women have acquired new ways to earn, grow, and lead. These initiatives have inspired creativity, built confidence, and strengthened solidarity across our membership.

 “Every skill shared and every woman empowered adds strength to our movement.”

Women in COFTU are no longer silent participants; we are innovators, builders, and leaders redefining what it means to work with dignity and purpose.

Honouring the Trailblazers

Every strong movement is built on the courage of pioneers. I honour the great women who led the COFTU National Women Committee before me and paved the path we proudly walk today.

Madam Sister Okello Ventoline (Mrs.), our first Chairperson from the medical fraternity, was a woman of compassion, unity, and principle. She inspired a generation of working women to stand together for justice and equality.

Bishop Olive Jane Gidudu, who succeeded her, led with grace, humility, and deep conviction. Now serving in ministry, Bishop Gidudu continues to inspire women through faith, service, and transformational leadership.

 “Their footprints remind us that leadership is service and every season calls for new energy to continue the journey they began.”

I am honoured to lead on the strong foundation they built.

Appreciating Our Supportive Leaders

Our progress has been strengthened by champions who have walked with us.

Hon. Tender Mary Marion (Emeritus), former MP for Workers (Women Representative), generously supported COFTU Women with sewing and designing machines and even sponsored a trainer, empowering women to earn a living through their skills.

Hon. Dr. Abdul Byakatonda, current MP for Workers, donated an industrial sewing machine with full accessories, enhancing our training capacity and supporting our income-generation efforts.

Hon. Agnes Kunihira Abwooli, current MP for Workers (Women Representative), continues to be an extraordinary supporter. She provided plastic chairs for hire, trained women in liquid soap and jelly making, and guided them on how to conceive business ideas. She has also led pre-International Women’s Day activities, giving COFTU Women visibility and voice year after year.

 “True leadership is measured by how we uplift others.”

Looking Ahead with Hope

As we build on this legacy, our goal is to make COFTU Women a strong, skilled, and united force of transformation. We aim to expand our economic empowerment programs, strengthen policy influence, and grow networks of mentorship across unions and regions.

To all women in COFTU and beyond: never give up. Every small step, every meeting, every skill learned, every word of encouragement matters. Together, we are shaping the future of work and dignity for all.

 “The story of COFTU Women is one of continuity, courage, and collective leadership.”

From our pioneers to today’s leaders, the torch continues to shine brightly. And as we rise together, that light will keep burning for our women, our unions, and our nation.