By Our Reporter
Johnnie Walker Uganda, through its She Walks program, has been at the forefront of celebrating and amplifying the voices of resilient women across various sectors. Last night, the initiative took a bold step to honor the remarkable women in marketing, those shaping brands, driving consumer engagement, and breaking barriers in the industry.
The event brought together accomplished and emerging marketers from diverse sectors, including finance, FMCG, telecommunication, media, tech, hospitality, and creative industries, for an insightful conversation on navigating the corporate world and claiming leadership roles. It was a night dedicated to empowering women to take the bold steps needed to secure the proverbial corner office.
Under the theme “Bold and Brilliant: Good Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office”, the discussion was led by a distinguished panel of accomplished women marketers, that included Belinda Agnes Namutebi, Coach Pamela Babirukamu, Mercy Sande Ainomugisha and Emma Mugisha.
The panelists delved into critical topics such as navigating corporate politics, overcoming doubters, ensuring visibility for one’s work, and standing out in competitive spaces. They also emphasized the value of mentorship, continuous self-improvement, and most importantly, the power of creating one’s own table, exploring entrepreneurship and leveraging marketing expertise to build businesses.
Speaking at the event, Catherine Ndungu, the Marketing Director at Uganda Breweries Limited, applauded the resilience of women in marketing, recognizing their unwavering commitment to breaking stereotypes and redefining leadership in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
“Marketing is a field that demands creativity, agility, and unwavering perseverance. Women in this space have faced challenges head-on, reinventing themselves, adapting to change, and proving time and time again that they belong at the top. Their resilience is a testament to their brilliance, and we at Johnnie Walker are proud to celebrate their journeys,” she said.
Echoing her sentiments, Christine Kyokunda, Brand Manager for Johnnie Walker Uganda, reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to empowering women and creating platforms for them to thrive. “Marketing is an art and a science, and the women in this room have mastered both. The journey to leadership is not a straight path, but by owning our brilliance and boldly stepping forward, we shape the future of the industry. Johnnie Walker is proud to walk this journey with you.”
Adding a touch of vibrancy to the night, dancer and choreographer Valentino Richard Kabenge led an electrifying session, teaching the attendees dance moves to Vinka’s Bailando hit. The energy in the room was palpable as the women let loose, celebrating their achievements, and embracing the power of movement.
The ladies were also taken through a whisky mentorship session by UBL Reserve Brand Ambassador Melanie, who equipped the audience with knowledge on how to best enjoy their whisky.
This edition of She Walks marks the third leg of the program, which kicked off last year, with a mission to highlight and celebrate women making a difference in various fields. As Johnnie Walker continues its journey of championing women, the She Walks program remains a beacon of inspiration for those daring to step forward and take up space.