At a vibrant Women in Energy forum and dinner held at the UMA Multipurpose Hall in Lugogo, Kampala, the Chief Executive Officer of the Electricity Regulatory Authority, Ziria Tibalwa Waako, delivered a compelling message aimed at reshaping societal attitudes toward girls in science and engineering.
Speaking under the theme “Energy for equality: Give to gain,” she urged parents to abandon long-held beliefs that limit girls’ ambitions, particularly in technical fields like electrical engineering.
Waako emphasized that the energy sector is not a male preserve, stressing that girls possess equal potential to thrive in demanding careers.
She challenged the notion that certain roles are too physically intense for women, noting that such assumptions are outdated and no longer relevant in a modern, evolving world driven by innovation and inclusivity.
She pointed out that many parents still discourage their daughters from pursuing electrical-related courses, often citing tasks like climbing poles or handling complex installations as reasons. However, she dismissed these arguments, explaining that advancements in technology and safety practices have transformed how work is done, making the field accessible to everyone regardless of gender.
Drawing from her own life story, Waako revealed that her journey to leading a key national institution would have been impossible if her parents had restricted her choices. She highlighted how supportive parenting can unlock opportunities, while discouragement can deprive the country of future innovators and problem-solvers.
Through the Women in Energy initiative, the Electricity Regulatory Authority has been actively engaging schools across Uganda, encouraging young girls to consider careers in the energy sector. These outreach programs are already showing positive results, with more female students expressing interest in engineering pathways than ever before.
During the event, students from institutions such as Makerere University, Busitema University, and Kyambogo University shared inspiring stories about their academic journeys. Their testimonies reflected growing confidence among young women who are defying stereotypes and pursuing technical education at various levels.
One student, Nabirye Daphne, currently in her fourth year at Busitema University, credited her decision to study electrical engineering to an earlier outreach visit by ERA. Her story illustrated the real impact of mentorship and exposure in shaping career choices among young girls.
Waako also reminded participants that the energy sector offers diverse career opportunities beyond engineering, including roles in law, finance, human resource management, and communication.
Despite this, she raised concern over the stark gender imbalance in engineering, revealing that women make up only about 3 percent compared to 97 percent men, a gap she believes must be urgently addressed through collective effort and mindset change.
