Natimba’s journey to self-discovery with the Cente Supawoman Club

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Across the globe, efforts to uplift and celebrate the incredible achievements of women echo louder than ever. From boardrooms to battlefields, laboratories to legislative chambers, women are rewriting the narrative of possibility and potential.

Amidst this dynamic landscape of change and growth, initiatives like Centenary Bank’s Supawoman Club stand as a source of motivation and catalyst for transformation. The Cente Supawoman initiative is designed to empower women, providing training, motivation, and tools for achieving financial independence and realizing their true potential.

As Uganda celebrates women and their mark in the marketplace this month, the air is charged with the spirit of empowerment, resilience, and progress.

In comes the story of the inspiring journey of one of the club’s beneficiaries, Robinah Catherine Natimba, who is not only a trained teacher but also a poultry farmer residing in Nameere Zone, Mpererwe.

Natimba recounts her initial interaction with Centenary Bank, stating, “I began my association with the bank through training introduced to me by Tomusange Helen as a facilitator. Throughout the training sessions, I found great companionship among the women and gleaned invaluable insights from their experiences.”

Reflecting on this period, Natimba realized she was missing out on opportunities.

She recalls, “I realized that I couldn’t be training women without being part of the group myself, so I decided to join. It has since become the most rewarding aspect of my journey with Centenary Bank.”

At the outset, Natimba reminisces about her modest beginnings, recalling, “When I first joined, I had only seven chickens, when they laid eggs, I would take them to the hatchery.” However, she soon encountered challenges as her poultry fell ill due to inadequate nutrition. Describing her experience, she shares, “I couldn’t feed them well, and they were frequently falling sick.”

Determined to overcome this hurdle, she turned to the Supawoman Club for assistance.

“I borrowed money,” she recounts,” and the process was seamless, without complications.” With the borrowed funds, she was able to purchase feed for her chickens. The impact was immediate; “The chicks grew rapidly,” she explains, “thanks to the availability of food and medicine.” This success story marked the fruition of her first loan cycle, empowering her to repay the initial loan and embark on her journey to secure a second loan.

“Every business journey comes with its challenges,” Natimba reflects, “and I certainly faced my fair share.” Recalling her experiences, she acknowledges, “The money from the loan, it wasn’t enough. My plans didn’t unfold as anticipated.” Despite setbacks, she maintains a resilient spirit, stating, “I don’t dwell on past misfortunes.” One such setback occurred when disease ravaged her poultry, resulting in the loss of all her chicks.

However, she swiftly pivoted, declaring, “I prefer not to lament over what’s lost.” Determined to persevere, she sought solutions.

“I had purchased feed, yet the chicks had perished in the brooders,” she recounts. “I had to act swiftly, procuring more chicks to make use of the feed I had already acquired.” Offering insight into her mindset, she shares, “Challenges should not deter you; they should fuel your determination to succeed.”

Natimba emphasizes the importance of women striking a balance between work and family responsibilities. “As women, we are capable of managing both aspects of our lives,” she asserts. Drawing parallels from her observations, she mentions individuals employed in banking roles who adeptly handle accounting duties while maintaining balanced books. “We should remind women,” she suggests, “that while their professional commitments are significant, they should never overshadow their roles within the household.”

Drawing from her experience as an educator, she likens this balancing act to employing strategic techniques. “I often advise women,” she shares, “that leaving work early and returning late doesn’t necessitate sacrificing either their professional or domestic duties. It’s crucial to maintain balance between the two spheres.” Offering practical advice, she encourages women to leave a lasting impression within the household. “Find ways to make your presence felt,” she advises. “Even if you return home late, ensure your children still feel your affection and support.”

Her message to women is rooted in the importance of self-awareness, and recognizing one’s background, value, and worth. “Self-awareness brings inner peace,” she emphasizes. Illustrating her point, she recalls an encounter during one Supawoman training with a woman who lacked self-awareness. “She didn’t realize her worth or potential,” she explains. “But after the training, she transformed, even returning to school to become a certified counselor.”

Furthermore, Natimba advocates for letting go of past challenges and knowing one’s place and value. “Women should strive for self-sufficiency,” she insists, criticizing the notion of relying solely on husbands for financial security. “Surround yourself with individuals who enrich your life,” she advises, expressing gratitude to Centenary Bank for establishing the Supawoman Club and recognizing the potential of women.