The Seychelles Chapter of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa Federation of Women in Business yesterday kicked off a three-day training programme aimed at building the capacity of female business owners in Seychelles to broaden their horizons and explore other markets.
The session, led by consultants Benjamin Vel, Peter Roselie and Germaine Michaud, saw the participation of over 15 business owners, some of whom are engaged in farming, tailoring and handicrafts.
Chief executive of the Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (Ceps) Alvin Laurence officially launched the training. He stated in his opening remarks that he firmly believes that when women have the capacity, are in business and take charge of their finances, the community will be a better place.
“If we continue to leave this in the hands of some big businessmen in Seychelles, only they will continuously grow. Our objective today is to find ways to add onto what you already haveand find ways to expand far beyond a market which you already knowand to find ways by which your quality products are appreciated for their real value,” Mr Laurence pointed out.
“Our aim today is to help women find more independencebecause we are sure that your contributions towards society are much more than we can imagine,” Mr Laurence stressed.
The chairperson of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB)Seychelles Chapter, Claudette Albert is pushing for entrepreneurs and business owners locally to explore the various trading opportunities in external markets, for instance on the African continentwhich stands out from the rest of the world with the highest proportion of women entrepreneurs.
The three-day training will come to a close tomorrow, Thursday when the participants will be awarded witha certificate.
Source: National Information Services Agency