07 May 2015

The Women in Business Association (WIBA) president, Ms Tumi Mbaakanyi has called upon all women doing business to enter the first WIBA Excellence Awards scheduled for August 23.

Ms Mbaakanyi made the call during a press conference that was organised by WIBA to launch the awards and brief members of the media about the ongoing preparations for the upcoming WIBA Excellence Awards.

The venue and all the information regarding the ticket sales, she said, would be communicated at the announcement of nominees, adding that WIBA would organise another press conference soon where more information would be shared about the awards.

Business owners, Ms Mbaakanyi said might nominate themselves or be nominated by members of the public for no charge.

However, whilst these awards are open to all women in business including non-WIBA members and women operating in the informal sector, she said “it must be noted that WIBA members will gain an extra score and hence it is advised that non-members register to become WIBA members.

”The awards have been divided into seven categories, being; Young Female Entrepreneur of the Year; Female Innovator of the Year; Inspirational Woman of the Year; Female Social

Entrepreneur of the Year; The Female Collaboration Award and The Informal Business Woman Award. Additionally, all entries will automatically be considered for the overall Business Woman of the Year Award.

The innovation award, she said was not a technology or Information and Communications Technology (ICT) award, but any unique experience, service or product that had been introduced to the market. It might even be on an existing product or service, but with a twist of uniqueness, she added.

The award winners, WIBA president said would stand a chance to win great prices that would enhance their market presence.High rotation media coverage had been arranged for winners and many more prices would be revealed, she said.

WIBA is a membership driven organisation, however the Association saw it fit to invite all women who are in business to enter the excellence awards, because its sole mandate is to promote sustainable businesses led by women.

The purpose of these awards, which are planned to be held annually, Ms Mbaakanyi said was to celebrate and showcase the potential of Batswana women and also to have a women in business directory or database.

The awards, she said were also meant to recognise and motivate successful women entrepreneurs, “be it a small business operating from home to a business with a national footprint or across the world, you are all invited to enter.”

In her remarks, the Department of Gender Affairs director, Ms Thapelo Phuthego said she was thrilled to be associated with the WIBA Excellence Awards.

“Judging from the work the department does with women, we are confident there will be no struggle in finding women of excellence and that these awards will really inspire a positive change in our society” said Ms Phuthego.

For her part, WIBA awards coordinator, Ms Tshiamo Molapisi, said the awards preparations had revealed women’s commitment to building the nation, as some WIBA members had forfeited awards entry in order to contribute as sponsors towards a successful celebration of women.She called upon the business community to come forth and sponsor the awards, adding that the opportunity to participate was still open“It is our desire to have a headline sponsor together with other support sponsors by the time nominations are revealed.

We have no doubt that the business community will benefit from any partnership with regards to the awards,” she added.

The deadline for entries, she said was June 19, 2015, adding that the awards were only open to women making 100 per cent shares or 50 per cent shares if they are with a male counterpart.“

We want women who own a shareholding of 51 per cent and above and playing an active role in the business.

So, the woman in the business must hold the managing director or chief executive officer position in the business if working with male counterparts,” she added.Once the nominations are done, the public will be invited to vote for their preferred nominee.

Nominees may be nominated for a maximum of two categories. The public vote will contribute 40 per cent of the final result of which 60 per cent will be contributed by a judging panel to be revealed.

The Women in Business Association (WIBA) Botswana was established in 1990 as a wing extension of Botswana Confederation of Commerce and Industry (BOCCIM).
As women continued to make strides, WIBA’S portfolio grew and it was later registered as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in 2003. Ends