Barriers to Involvement and Success Within Medical Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Women in Uganda

Abstract

Purpose: Currently, there are significantly more men than women involved in medical technology innovation and entrepreneurship globally, and in particular in Uganda, despite women making up the majority of the caretaker workforce. Little is understood about the perceived barriers and facilitators for women to enter into and succeed within this field. Methods: We interviewed 40 English speaking women over the age of 18 within Mbarara, Uganda. Content coding characterized participants views on female innovation and entrepreneurship, including educational experiences, self-perception of skills, and beliefs on opportunities and barriers for entrance into and success within the medical technology ecosystem. Results: All women interviewed described having ides to address a problem they identified in their community, but pursuit of this ideas was much lower. Female representation within medical technology innovation was felt to be due to barriers of education, mentorship, societal beliefs of the capabilities and role of women and lack of self-confidence. Suggestions for closing the gender gap including increased sensitization and empowerment of women starting in youth, mentorship platforms and technical skills training. Conclusions: Societal expectations of women are still preventing equality of access into and success within medical technology innovation and entrepreneurship. Educational and programmatic support is needed for women in Uganda in order to close these gaps.