29 May 2016

Women in Business Association (WIBA) will host its second annual excellence awards on August 26.

Themed An infinite Sparkle, Her Success Story, women in business excellence awards have been endorsed and supported by the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, through the Department of Gender Affairs.

Speaking at a press brief recently, WIBA president, Ms Tumi Mbaakanyi said women- led businesses would compete in six exciting categories including business woman of the year, young entrepreneur of the year, innovation award and informal sector award.

Ms Mbaakanyi said they have, this year, introduced one exciting category of male dominated industry award.

The award, she explained, sought to celebrate those women making a mark in previously dominated by male counterparts such as construction, mining and architecture.

She further indicated that the overall business woman of the year award would walk away with P50 000 cash courtesy of Stanbic Bank Botswana.

She noted that winners would be chosen from entries across the country and such businesses were deemed to have made significant strides in various business aspects throughout the year.

Gender Affairs Department representative, Ms Phemelo Maiketso noted that in relation to implementation of the national gender programme, WIBA was one of the key implementing partners in priority area such as economic development and poverty eradication.

Ms Maiketso emphasised that WIBA assisted through mobilisation and capacity building of women in business and in facilitation of their exposure to the trade sphere.

“WIBA also supports women entrepreneur participation in trade fairs or exhibitions and access to market for their business and products,” she said.

Currently, she said, the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, through gender affairs department, supported WIBA in its initiatives for increased participation of women in WIBA awards, for recognition and networking.

Meanwhile, Ms Maiketso mentioned that as Botswana celebrated golden jubilee, they were proud to see women ascending the business ladder from informal to formal, hence making significant contribution to a joyful Botswana. ENDS