LIRA, Uganda — Women in small and retail businesses have been urged to leverage digital marketing tools and networking to promote their products and services.

Prof. Judith Abal, keynote speaker at Equity Bank’s Abakyala Ku Ntiiko women initiative, challenged women to master social media platforms as marketing tools.

“The youth are beating you in selling their products because they have adopted new technology platforms as marketing tools. Do not fear, ask them to teach you,” Abal said.

The Abakyala Ku Ntiiko initiative aims to support women in micro and retail businesses by providing financial knowledge, business skills and access to financing.

Statistics show that over 38% of women in business struggle to access banking services, including loans and insurance products.

Peter Ssemakalu, Equity Bank’s Regional Manager for Greater North, encouraged women to utilize bank products such as EquiMama and newly introduced insurance products.

“We are dedicated to empowering women in Lira and beyond, not just with financial solutions, but with the tools and knowledge to transform lives,” Ssemakalu said.

Tony Obonyo, Equity Bank’s Micro Supervisor, highlighted financial solutions tailored for women entrepreneurs, including Equi-Mama Loan Product, SAACO loans and Equi-Green Financing.

The event recognized top customer achievers, including Caroline Adong, Juliet Obedo and Eunice Abeja.

Equity Bank plans to offer more peer mentorship, affordable loans and insurance products, financial education and partnerships with local organizations to provide additional business support.