SEVEN Solomon Island women were recently selected by the International Finance Corporation to attend a workshop entitled Economic Opportunities for Pacific Women in Business from the 15th to the 17th of March in Port Vila.
The workshop was sponsored by International Finance Centre, International Trade Centre and Ausaid.
The participants were Julie Haro of Premier Real Estate, Bernadette Mola representing the shell necklace sellers at Market, Ning Gabrino of Nings Bakery, Vavilyn Brook from the Bilum Tree, Mary Bollen from Westside Women for Peace, Marilyn Ronia from Frangipani Ice and Tele Bartlett from Bulk shop.
There were women from 16 Pacific Island countries represented at the workshop.
Dr Mere Samisoni was the opening speaker at the workshop and spoke on what factors influence entrepreneurial success in the Pacific.
Some of the highlights were hearing representative from Timor Leste, Vanuatu, PNG and Samoa give reports on their micro finance organizations for women.
Mereia Volavola the executive officer for PIPSO (Pacific Islands Private Sector Organization) reminded the participants that the private sector is the engine that drives the economy.
The workshop heard very inspirational stories on the struggles, difficulties and impediments that the women in the Pacific encountered and go through in running their business.
Despite these challenges the Pacific women have risen to the occasion to make it through successfully.
The workshop highlighted the lack of institutional support and the need for stronger advocacy in the national economies for women involved in business both in the formal and informal sectors.
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