Women in business have been urged to establish cooperatives that would enhance their enterprises through business-to-business networking.
This call was made by Doreen Sioka, the Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare, during a meeting with businesswomen in Rosh Pinah.
Sioka emphasised that informal businesses play a significant role in contributing to the country's developmental objectives. By forming cooperatives and engaging in business networking, women can further enhance the impact and success of their ventures.
The Women in Business Association (WIBA) aims to provide assistance to women entrepreneurs.
Its primary objectives include mobilising resources, facilitating access to finance, and supporting women in effectively marketing their products and services. The association accomplishes this by establishing market linkages and promoting value addition in their businesses.
"It is encouraging to see that you have established these platforms at the constituency level, which shows that you are eager to grow and improve your enterprise through business-to-business networking and skills transfer. I am therefore encouraging the WIBA members to apply for potential support in order to acquire material and equipment that can accelerate the growth of their businesses. In addition, the ministry also provides training to help entrepreneurs start and improve their businesses. I am pleased to note that a few WIBA members from Oranjemund constituency have been trained on improving their businesses," said Sioka.
Ruana Alweendo, a resident of the Oranjemund Constituency, finds herself unemployed and currently engages in informal trading to provide sustenance for her family. Despite her own challenges, she has uplifting words of encouragement for fellow women.
"I just want to encourage them that, as a woman, you must stand up for yourself. You must look after your kids. If you do not stand up and do something for bread to be on the table, no one can stand up for you because if you can do something, then it is when someone can see you and be able to help and assist you."
Oranjemund Constituency Councillor Lazarus Nangolo has committed to allocating funds for women in business during the current financial year to enhance and support their existing businesses.
"Once the budget comes, I will come back to you and inform you how much I will, together with the CDC, allocate to you as the women of this constituency who are involved in business so that we can be able to support your business in order for it to grow."