BY JOY OFASIA
THE Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) kicked off its first-ever in-person training session in the Solomon Islands today, hosted at the Isles Media conference hub in east Honiara.
This groundbreaking event marks a significant milestone for local women entrepreneurs, bringing together 24 participants from various stages of their business journeys.
Dr. Donna Marie Wate, Coordinator and Program Team Lead from Mere Care Company Limited, expressed her excitement and fulfillment about the initiative.
“The training aims and objectives are to help women entrepreneurs to start grow their businesses into next level coming together to share and network.
“I felt that I have fulfilled one of my dreams and very happy for this opportunity to provide this space for this women entrepreneur to come out to mingle, encourage and share challenges together,” Donna said.
The AWE program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and supported by the White House-led Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative, aims to empower women by offering practical skills to establish and scale sustainable businesses. The training, which spans 13 weeks, is designed to foster connections, offer mentorship, and provide online educational resources.
Lyndah Seni Wate, a participant from Isles Media, described the day as deeply inspiring.
“Today has been truly inspiring, I have felt the power if women’s dreams and their unwavering passion. Witnessing women embrace challenges identify their gaps and work together with their spouses in business has been incredibly motivating.
“The unity and encouragement among women entrepreneurs are remarkable.
“I am eagerly anticipating the upcoming 13 weeks of online training and believe it will be a fantastic opportunity for us, local women entrepreneurs to learn interact and foster growth in our businesses,” Mrs. Seni Wate said.
The AWE program, which operates in over 100 countries, seeks to promote women’s economic opportunities and support their growth through local partnerships and public-private sponsorships. Today’s session was a testament to the program’s impact, reflecting its commitment to nurturing women’s entrepreneurial spirit and driving community prosperity.
The U.S. Department of State plans to launch the AWE official program initiative this year, in 2024, with the assistance of the White House-led Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative, in order to provide women with the practical skills required to establish sustainable businesses and enterprises.
