WEST NILE, Uganda — Stanbic Bank Uganda, through its “Stanbic for Her” initiative, has partnered with UN Women to launch a program in the West Nile region aimed at empowering women in both refugee and host communities through digital inclusion, financial literacy, and sustainable livelihood support.
The initiative, developed following a needs assessment in refugee settlements such as Nyumanzi in Adjumani District and Bidi Bidi in Yumbe District, addresses challenges including limited access to financial services, early marriages linked to a lack of menstrual hygiene products, maternal health risks, and climate-induced food insecurity.
“Our work in West Nile is grounded in the belief that inclusive development must tackle systemic barriers,” said Catherine Poran, Chief Executive of the Stanbic Business Incubator (SUBIL), at the launch. “Through Stanbic for Her, we are proud to deliver targeted support to communities that need it most.”
Dr. Paulina Chiwangu, UN Women Country Representative in Uganda, underscored the need for gender-responsive and inclusive humanitarian responses. “Our partnership with Stanbic Bank demonstrates the power of collaboration,” she said. “The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the extent of the digital divide especially for women. This program ensures women not only access livelihoods but are also meaningfully included in decision-making processes, with dignity and protection at the center.”
To promote digital financial inclusion, Stanbic Bank donated smartphones to selected community members, primarily women. The phones will support mobile banking, digital record-keeping, and savings, helping participants overcome the long distances to the nearest financial institutions. “Distance to a bank shouldn’t be a barrier,” Poran noted. “With digital tools, we’re enabling these communities to build financial resilience and autonomy.”
Addressing maternal and child health, the program also distributed 320 mama kits to support safe childbirth and reduce infant mortality, a concern in many of Uganda’s refugee settlements. To strengthen food security and environmental sustainability, the initiative included the planting of 1,250 fruit trees across the communities, which will contribute to improved household nutrition, promote sustainable agriculture, and support reforestation efforts.
Another key aspect of the program focuses on girls’ education and menstrual hygiene. Recognizing that the lack of sanitary towels contributes significantly to school dropouts and early marriages, especially in refugee settings, the project provided menstrual hygiene products to adolescent girls. The goal is to keep more girls in school and give them greater control over their futures.
“This isn’t just about responding to urgent needs,” said Poran. “We’re committed to driving long-term, measurable change. We will continue walking this journey with government, development partners, and the communities themselves.”
She added that the partnership with UN Women serves as a model for integrated development, one that combines technology, gender equity, health, and environmental sustainability into a cohesive, community-driven empowerment strategy.
Stanbic for Her is a flagship initiative by Stanbic Bank Uganda that supports women-led enterprises and promotes gender-inclusive development through financial access, capacity building, and customized business solutions.
