Globally, equitable female labour force participation is central to sustainable development and inclusive economic growth, as reflected in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals particularly Goals 5 and 8. Yet, despite rising levels of female educational attainment, the transition from higher education into meaningful and sustainable employment remains constrained by structural and gendered barriers, especially in STEM and technical fields. In Uganda, weak university industry linkages further limit alignment between training and labour market demands undermining higher education’s transformative potential. This study examines how innovative university–industry ecosystems can be developed beyond conventional internship models to secure sustainable career pathways for female graduates at Kyambogo University. Specifically, it investigates: (i) how existing university-industry linkages support female employability; (ii) the structural and gendered barriers constraining sustainable employment outcomes; and (iii) the ecosystem elements required to foster durable, gender-responsive career pathways. Anchored in Innovation Ecosystems Theory, the study adopts a qualitative case study design. Data were generated through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with female students, university administrators, and industry partners. Thematic analysis was conducted using iterative inductive and deductive coding, supported by triangulation, member checking, and peer debriefing to enhance credibility. Findings reveal that internship-based models are insufficient to address systemic barriers. Sustainable female employment depends on co-creative partnerships in which industry actively participates in curriculum design, structured mentorship, and shared investment in training infrastructure, supported by continuous feedback mechanisms. The study proposes a gender responsive university industry ecosystem framework aligned with the Uganda National Development Plan IV, positioning vocational higher education as a catalyst for inclusive economic transformation and long-term female career mobility.