Women in rural communities are increasingly seizing entrepreneurial opportunities, as highlighted by Esita Lobe from Toge Village in Ba, who recently completed a two-day business training program. The initiative aims to empower women by equipping them with crucial skills needed to start and manage their own businesses. Esita, a 49-year-old mother of three, shared her excitement about the knowledge gained, which covered elements like strategic planning and the benefits of independence through entrepreneurship.
Despite facing challenges such as limited capital, Esita believes that many women possess untapped potential. “We’re motivated to start our businesses now,” she stated, referring to the five women from her village group who participated in the training. The group aims to initiate a joint venture to generate income that can uplift their community’s living standards and improve local facilities.
This narrative resonates with trends observed in other areas, where women are embracing entrepreneurship and contributing significantly to economic growth. For instance, Noa Biuvulatolu, a young entrepreneur from Matuku, noted the importance of traditional crafts and the growing acceptance of women in business. His initiatives around local craftsmanship have benefited families economically and contribute to educational access.
Furthermore, similar training programs focused on financial literacy and entrepreneurship, like those run by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), have been vital in enhancing women’s capabilities. Participants express newfound confidence to start businesses, indicating a broader trend toward women’s empowerment in rural areas.
The collective efforts of rural women in Toge Village and beyond highlight a hopeful outlook. By harnessing their skills and supporting one another, these women are not only creating sustainable livelihoods for themselves but also fostering stronger, more resilient communities. This journey towards entrepreneurship underscores the vital role of women in driving economic development and promote gender equality.
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