Early this week, global telecom infrastructure provider Camusat launched a regional Women in Leadership Development Program, bringing together female professionals from Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania to champion gender equity across the telecommunications and engineering industries in East Africa.
The program was officially launched at Camusat’s Kampala offices and aims to provide women with the skills, tools, and support necessary to excel in leadership positions in industries traditionally dominated by men.
“We are not just investing in training; we are investing in transformation. This sector has long been male-dominated. Camusat is depending on you to grow so others can grow through you,” said Pamela Kisibo, Regional HR and Environmental, Social, and Governance Manager for East Africa and International Operations at Camusat.
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with Tabita Leadership Africa, a leadership development organization focused on advancing women’s participation in decision-making roles. The program is led by Dorcus Magoba, an accomplished leadership coach and advocate for gender inclusion.
Magoba urged participants to embrace the opportunity with seriousness and confidence, encouraging them to break through societal expectations and internal doubts.
“Be more than a statistic; let your excellence speak. Deliver value grounded in both knowledge and action,” she told the participants.
Camusat executives reaffirmed the company’s commitment to gender inclusion and leadership development during the launch.
Mark Anthony Cresswell, Country Managing Director, noted that the number of women on Camusat’s Uganda team had tripled in five years, from 12% to 36%, due to intentional recruitment, mentorship, and training programs.
“Women view challenges from different perspectives. They are detail-oriented and often ask the most insightful questions,” Cresswell said.
Kennedy Muirungi, Chief Finance Officer, likened the telecommunications sector to the military in terms of intensity and pressure, praising the resilience of women in such demanding roles.
“This industry demands 24/7 dedication. Women here are proving that they are not just capable but essential,” he said.
Fred Balikabya, Deputy Country Managing Director, highlighted women’s ability to maintain composure and make sound decisions under pressure.
“Their strength and discipline have a stabilizing effect on teams during the most critical periods,” he added.
The program will feature modules on strategic leadership, executive presence, high-performance team management, mentorship, and peer learning. It also integrates group projects and alumni engagement, ensuring long-term impact.
The curriculum draws from the Tabita Leadership Model, which focuses on character, competence, and community-based growth.
Camusat’s initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for gender diversity in corporate leadership, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sectors.
Globally, women hold 33.5% of senior management roles, yet only 10.4% of Fortune 500 companies are led by women CEOs, and just 12% of CFO roles are held by women.
Projections indicate that gender parity in senior leadership may not be realized until 2053 unless more organizations make deliberate investments like Camusat’s. Barriers such as unconscious bias, limited access to mentorship, and work-life balance challenges continue to slow progress.
According to a recent global survey, 54% of organizations expressed willingness to support women-focused leadership programs—an encouraging sign of change, though significant gaps remain.
Operating in more than 30 countries worldwide, Camusat is recognized for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusive talent development. The company’s investment in women’s leadership is part of a broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy aimed at creating long-term value through diversity and inclusion.
The Women in Leadership Development Program is expected to serve as a blueprint for gender-focused leadership initiatives across the continent and beyond.
