BY JOY OFASIA
An Inception Workshop on Intellectual Property for Women Entrepreneurs was held in Honiara last week.
The workshop introduced participants to key aspects of intellectual property, including trademarks, copyrights, branding, and the protection and commercialization of business ideas and creative products. It also provided a platform for discussing challenges and opportunities faced by women entrepreneurs in using IP to grow their businesses and reach new markets.
Speaking virtually at the opening Mr Mahmoud Esfahani Nejad, Counsellor of the Division for Asia and the Pacific said women entrepreneurs are at the heart of economic and community development across Solomon Islands and the Pacific.
“Across sectors such as handicrafts, food processing, natural products, fashion, agriculture and creative industries, women continue to show creativity, resilience and leadership,” he said.
He said many businesses are based on cultural heritage traditional knowledge and local products that need protection recognition and market opportunities.
Mr Mahmoud said many entrepreneurs still do not fully understand how intellectual property tools can support and protect their businesses.
He said the three-day workshop gives practical knowledge and guidance on IP and branding strategies for women-led small businesses.
The workshop was organized by World Intellectual Property Organization in cooperation with the Registrar General’s Office of the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs and Solomon Islands Women in Business Association.
It brought together women entrepreneurs government officials business groups and partners to improve understanding of intellectual property as a tool for growth innovation and market competition.
The initiative is part of WIPO efforts to support women-led businesses and inclusive development through intellectual property.
The workshop highlighted need for local capacity building and partnerships to help women protect and benefit from their ideas and innovations.
Mr Mahmoud thanked partners for cooperation.
“We sincerely appreciate the strong collaboration and commitment shown by our partners in making this important initiative possible,” he said.
He said the workshop will help women better understand how to protect brands and products and use knowledge for business growth.
Participants said the training was useful and gave them new ideas for improving income supporting families and strengthening communities.
They added that working together with partners will help more women succeed in business and use innovation for sustainable economic development in Solomon Islands.
The workshop strengthened confidence among participants and encouraged continued learning about intellectual property protection systems and opportunities available for women entrepreneurs in Solomon
