LocationsEU-UN Spotlight Initiative nurturing Youth design Innovations
August 13, 2025
A photo showcasing some of the Youth beneficiaries under the UNDP/Smart Girls Uganda Partnership.
Uganda, with one of the youngest and fastest-growing populations globally, presents a unique opportunity to harness the potential of its young people, as key drivers of sustainable development. Individuals aged 18 to 30 make up 22.7% of the population, and their empowerment is critical to achieving the country’s socio-economic transformation. Young people, especially women and girls, are highly innovative and entrepreneurial, and they represent a valuable resource that must be nurtured through targeted investments and inclusive policies.
Despite their potential, young women face significant challenges. UN Women estimates that 1 in 3 women globally experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Additionally, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reports that 80% of those displaced by climate-related shocks are women and youth, who face increased risks of violence and marginalization during displacement. These vulnerabilities underscore the urgent need for integrated approaches that protect and empower young women.
To this end, the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) are implementing the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, a global, multi-year programme aimed at eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG). Through the initiative, UNDP, in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, district local governments, and 12 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, is equipping urban and rural young women, with market ready skills such as motor vehicle mechanics, building and construction, solar system repair, electrical engineering, plumbing, fashion and design to enhance employability and improve livelihood outcomes. This initiative is currently being implemented in the districts of Kasese, Amudat, Arua, Terego, Kitgum, Kyegegwa, Tororo, Kampala, Gulu, Yumbe, Omoro, and Otuke.
There is registered progress, together with Smart Girls Uganda, UNDP is creating a future where young women and girls are empowered to thrive through skilling, and innovation. The partnership aims to empower, uplift and inspire the girl child’s economic independence and positive social change as per the country office’s Gender for Development Strategy.
As a girl, I’ve always loved cars, and that passion led me to join the automotive mechanics’ course. At first, many people judged me and said I couldn’t do it, that I was too weak to lift an engine. But that didn’t stop me. I’ve grown and gained valuable skills in automotive mechanics, and I hope to further become an engineer who inspires other girls to dream big and act. Naiga Swabra, beneficiary from Smart Girls Uganda.Naiga Swabra, Beneficiary from UNDP/ Smart Girls Uganda.
On her part, Anita Akiriza, who proudly refers to herself as Engineer Anita, pursued a course in electrical engineering. Alongside a group of peers, she developed prototypes designed to address everyday challenges faced by households and professionals in the electrical engineering sector. These innovations reflect the ingenuity and problem-solving capacity of young women in technical fields, demonstrating the transformative impact of inclusive skills development. Below are some of her innovations, which showcase how youth-led solutions can contribute to community resilience and sustainable development.
Water level detector
This solar powered innovation embedded with an alarm, is designed to notify families, when their storage tanks are nearing full capacity, this innovation addresses the question of water wastage and also allows attendants to uninterruptedly focus on other chores as they only await the alarms ring.
Photo showing the water level detector lighting green as an indicator of full tank.
2. Solar powered Phase detector
The safety of electrical engineers at work is often at risk due to their constant interaction with live electrical systems. The phase detectors commonly used by students have posed safety concerns, occasionally leading to electric shocks caused by device malfunctions. In response to this challenge, they developed an improved phase detector designed to safely and reliably detect current flow between electrical connections.
Photo of a phase detector prototype
3. Smart Torch
Due to frequent load shedding across many parts of the country, electricity blackouts have become common, posing safety risks for individuals caught outside their homes at night. In response to this challenge, Anita and her peers developed a solar-powered torch equipped with a phone charging feature. This innovation not only provides reliable lighting during power outages but also ensures continued access to mobile communication by enabling phone charging.
Anita Akiriza, extreme left, and her peers showcasing a solar powered smart torch with a phone charging provision.
Among other innovations developed, are smart bags made from repurposed waste packaging materials, such as sacks, and designed with vibrant African print fabric. These bags are equipped with reusable sanitary towels and a solar-powered torch, specifically tailored to support girls in underserved and less electrified communities.
Call to Action
UNDP continues to position youth at the heart of Uganda’s sustainable development journey by creating transformative livelihood opportunities and empowering young people, especially women and girls, to embrace their roles as the next generation of leaders, champions, changemakers, and influencers. Achieving sustainable development and economic empowerment for youth requires a whole-of-society approach. With youth at the forefront, collaboration among local communities, all levels of government, the private sector, civil society organizations, development partners, and academic and training institutions is essential. These stakeholders must work together with urgency, creativity, and unwavering commitment to translate local solutions into tangible progress. By fostering inclusive partnerships, Uganda can unlock the full potential of its youth and accelerate the path toward equitable and sustainable development.
By Mercy Melody Kayodi, Youth and Innovations Officer.