By Standard Correspondent
The Federation of Women Entrepreneurs Association (Fewa) has launched a Savings, Credit and Cooperative Organisation (Sacco) Mt Kenya Region Chapter, as part of the activities to mark the Month of the Women Entrepreneurs celebrations.
The occasion, held at Whispers grounds in Nyeri town drew participants from Nyeri, Nanyuki, Isiolo, Meru, Chuka, Embu, Kutus, Kirinyaga, Mwea, Muranga, Thika, Kitui, Machakos and other parts of the larger Mt Kenya region.
The event was also marked with exhibition of various products produced by the region’s women and schoolgirls.
The women, majority of who are affiliated to women Saccos and groups, showcased their wares and services such as leather bags, locally manufactured shoes, ciondos, earrings, kikois, jugs, bowls, wooden carvings, curios, bedcovers, rugs and other textile products.
A business clinic to educate them on best business practices was also conducted by experts from International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Fewa officials, who called on the womenfolk to join Saccos, which would empower them economically and assist them chart their own destiny.
Loans acquisition
The National Programme Co-ordinator of ILO/Gowe Programme, Benson Kimithi called on women to work closely with Fewa to acquire financial skills, business planning, production and marketing.
Ms Gloria Ndekei, the National Co-ordinator of Wedge Programme, which supported the celebrations said ILO was working closely with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Development, financial institutions, insurance companies and other development partners to empower women economically and train them on how to manage their wealth.
She said Fewa Sacco aims at encouraging commercial activities and viable investments for women entrepreneurs, provide them with an opportunity to accumulate shares and deposits and pool funds together to enable them acquire loans.
She reckons that the Sacco will promote members’ welfare, give women entrepreneurs ownership of financial institutions and build linkages with like-minded organisations.
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