By Nicholas Banadda
In Uganda, women’s economic empowerment and equitable employment are important priorities advanced by both the government and society.
Liu Qiang, general manager of CRJE (EAST AFRICA) LTD said “having long been engaged in local infrastructure development, CRJE (EAST AFRICA) LTD has actively responded to the Ugandan government’s policy initiatives supporting women and youth development,”.
He was speaking recently during the international women’s day celebrations and giving gifts to all female employees of CRJE in uganda.
Liu said the company integrates gender equality, localized employment and skills training into the full project cycle, building employment platforms and inspiring career aspirations for Ugandan women through concrete actions.
“As a responsible international construction enterprise, CRJE upholds the principle of equal employment, firmly opposes gender discrimination, and fully safeguards the legitimate rights and interests and career development opportunities of female employees, “he said.
Leveraging its key ongoing projects, the company has created more than 500 quality jobs, directly providing stable employment for over 70 Ugandan women, with the proportion of female staff steadily increasing.
Liu said that the firm has strictly implemented the localized employment policy, with local employees accounting for more than 95%, ensuring that development benefits reach more Ugandan citizens, especially grassroots women.
“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day”, teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime. Focusing on the skills development needs of Ugandan women, the company has established a systematic skills training system: it regularly conducts specialized training in construction, safety management, equipment operation, logistics and maintenance, he said.
He added that “it carries forward the fine tradition of “mentor-apprentice guidance” among Chinese technical professionals, offering one-on-one on-site teaching and hands-on practical training,”
Liu said that Starting from scratch, batches of Ugandan female employees have mastered professional practical skills and grown into indispensable backbones in project construction.
“Ugandan women still face many challenges in employment, and improving their employment quality and skills remains an arduous task. CRJE will continue to stand side by side with the Ugandan government and local communities to further strengthen support for women’s employment, expanding job opportunities for women, improving career protection and growth pathways for female employees, “he said.
He called on all sectors of society to join hands to pay greater attention to and support women’s employment and development, break down employment barriers, and share development opportunities.
“We hope every Ugandan woman can realize her life value through diligence and wisdom, and shine with “her brilliance” and contribute “her power” in the nation’s journey toward industrialization and modernization,” Liu said.
CRJE will continue to fulfill its corporate mission, taking infrastructure as a bridge and responsibility as a sail, to contribute more CRJE strength to the advancement of women’s cause and socio-economic development in Uganda.