Botswana: Women micro-entrepreneurs in Bobirwa District have recently graduated from AWOME. The young women who attended the previous week of the workshops are delighted by what they have learned. The Minister highlighted that it is crucial for the people of the country to support the development of women micro entrepreneurs.
The officials have shared that it is important for the women to be independent as it can help them become more empowered. The officials have shared that the graduation ceremony was hosted at Sarai Lodge, in Bobonong Village.
The AWOME Workshops were a crucial part of women empowerment effort in the country. The AWOME initiative was supported by the Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Lesego Chombo
The women participated in intensive training in entrepreneurship, leadership during the previous week. They were also given lessons in life skills which will help them grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
The programme was supported by the De Beers Group and implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs, has been hailed as transformative for the graduates. Many paticiapating women said that they were grateful for the programme giving them the opportunity to gain practical skills and mentorship.
This graduation ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter for these women as they take their enterprises to the next level. The women will now be responsible for contributing to economic growth and empowerment in their communities.
The officials have shared that the AWOME initiative has helped women from several parts of Africa. Notably, the initiative is implemented in Namibia, Botswana and South Africa.
In Botswana the programme was launched in the year 2018. The programme has trained 20 trainers and 720 entrepreneurs across 7 cohorts in Improve Your Business (IYB). At the same time, they have educated 3 cohorts in Generate Your Business Idea (GYB)/Start Your Business (SYB).
The project has reached areas including Okavango Delta, Kweneng West, Goodhope-Mabule, Mogoditshane/Thamaga, Jwaneng-Mabutsane, Orapa-Letlhakane, and now Bobirwa District.