Workshops aim to advance women's economic empowerment

THE NATIONAL Empowerment Fund (NEF), in collaboration with the Presidency, the Premier’s Office, district municipalities and other government entities, is hosting Presidential Women Economic Empowerment Programme (WEEP) workshops in the Northern Cape from July 10 to 25.

These workshops aim to equip emerging women entrepreneurs and informal traders with essential skills and resources. Topics covered include business compliance, procurement strategies, financial literacy, marketing, and accessing funding opportunities.

Residents from the Province’s five districts will be able to attend the workshops. The workshop dates are as follows:

July 10: Namakwa District

July 17: ZF Mgcawu District

July 18: John Taolo Gaetsewe District

July 24: Pixley ka Seme District

July 25: Frances Baard District

This initiative aligns with Pillar 5 of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), which aims to address women’s unequal economic and social position by providing access to economic opportunities such as government and private sector procurement, employment, housing, land, financial resources, and income-generating initiatives.

In addition to the NEF, presentations will be delivered by various stakeholders, including National/Provincial Treasury, district/local municipalities, the DTIC, SARS, B-BBEE Commission, SABS, SEDA, SEFA, DSBD, DWYPD, LED, DARLD (national and provincial), UN Women SA, Absa Group, IDC, Old Mutual Masisizane Fund and Standard Bank.

These workshops are open to all women in the Province, aiming to empower them with practical knowledge and tools for business success.

Siziwe Zulu, the Post Investment Associate overseeing the NEF’s participation in WEEP, explained that this initiative is rooted in the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP GBVF). It addresses the critical issue of economic dependence among women, with the goal of reducing gender-based violence by enhancing women’s economic self-reliance.

Zulu emphasized that the NEF’s involvement in WEEP aligns with its mandate to promote economic and social empowerment for historically disadvantaged groups, including women, youth, and rural communities.

The NEF acting chief executive officer, Mziwabantu Dayimani, expressed enthusiasm about the workshops.

“We are really excited to announce the upcoming workshop which aim to empower women entrepreneurs with essential business skills and to provide access to resources for economic independence. Your participation is crucial in building a sustainable and inclusive economy in our communities,” said Dayimani.

Dayimani also acknowledged the generous support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has granted funding for implementing WEEP activities. He emphasised that this funding will enable WEEP to expand its reach and impact, particularly in under-served areas like the Northern Cape.

“Through strategic partnerships and targeted interventions, we are determined to foster economic resilience and sustainable growth among women entrepreneurs,” he concluded.