Accurate pricing is a cornerstone of any successful business strategy, yet it remains a common challenge for many women entrepreneurs—including those rebuilding their lives after systemic barriers, such as incarceration. Through initiatives like the Artisan transformative program at Katojo, supported by Penal Reform International and implemented by Bridge Africa Research Organisation (BARO), women are gaining essential entrepreneurial skills, and pricing is among the most critical areas of focus.
However, many participants approach this topic with apprehension, largely due to a widespread myth that mathematics is inherently difficult and reserved for the formally educated. This perception often fuels anxiety, particularly when they realize that pricing involves a mathematical component.
Recognizing this, educators and mentors within the program have been especially diligent in demystifying mathematical concepts, making them accessible and relevant to the women’s lived experiences. Their commitment is equipping participants not just with technical skills, but with the confidence to navigate complex markets and foster sustainable enterprises.
To overcome these barriers, the program incorporates practical learning tools such as visual aids, real-life scenarios, simplified calculations and continuous practice before learning how to make the product. These strategies are helping participants understand fundamental pricing methods like cost-plus pricing—where expenses are calculated and a markup is added—and value-based pricing, which aligns price with the perceived worth of the product to the customer. Discussions around competitor-based pricing further deepen understanding of market positioning and strategic decision-making.
Moreover, the training emphasizes the use of digital resources like simple spreadsheets. These technologies allow participants to model pricing scenarios, forecast profitability, and track expenses with ease – reinforcing that math is not an obstacle, but a powerful ally in business success.
As the women gain confidence in their numerical literacy, they begin to reframe their thinking – not only about pricing, but about their identities as business leaders. The program’s holistic approach transforms pricing from a source of anxiety into a pathway for autonomy, sustainability, and growth.
This empowerment is not limited to technical proficiency. It is reflected in the resilience and innovation the women bring to their ventures. From handmade crafts to value-added food products, they are learning to position themselves competitively, articulate their value propositions, and make strategic financial decisions—all through the lens of accurate pricing.
Ultimately, the Artisan program at BARO represents a model of inclusive economic empowerment – where social reintegration is supported by practical business education and psychological confidence. With the combined support of Penal Reform International and BARO, these women are reclaiming agency over their futures, demonstrating that with the right guidance, pricing mastery is within reach for everyone.
