A Maasai entrepreneur from Kwamakweza Village in Chalinze, Bagamoyo District, Ms Esther Moreto, fits traditional bangles on First Lady Salma Kikwete at an exhibition held at the Mnazi Mmoja Grounds in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday. (Photo by John Lukuwi)
Written by NELLY MTEMA - Daily News
THE First Lady, Mama Salma Kikwete, has advised women entrepreneurs to observe financial discipline if they are to succeed in their business pursuits.
When launching the Month of Women Entrepreneurs (MOWE) exhibitions in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, Mama Salma said that most businesses belonging to women collapsed due to failure to observe financial discipline.
She also urged them to refrain from selfishness as this is an impediment to success in business. She advised them to work together in the spirit of team work.
“You must keep records of your business and document each and every item that is sold, so that at the end of the day you will be in a better position to identify the growth level of your business,” she said.
She commended the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and other partners for supporting the 120 women entrepreneurs who are participating in the exhibition. They come from Tanzania, Malawi, Uganda and Kenya.
Earlier ILO Deputy Director, Ms Hopolang Phororo, said the organisation has been supporting women entrepreneurs in promotion of employment and poverty reduction.
“We are proud of the great achievements towards enhancing the capacity of partner organisations, NGOs, government and financial institutions to better serve women entrepreneurs in Tanzania,” she said.
She added that through MOWE which started in 2006, women entrepreneurs are visible and they have voices; they have strengthened their network and association and they have platform to lobby and advocate on issues of concern in connection with market links with neighbouring countries.
She said that during the week-long exhibitions, there is also a financial fair which brings together financial institutions. This presents an opportunity for women entrepreneurs to see how they can utilise their services.
Ms Phororo said that there will also be business clinics which will deliberate on product development innovation, business registration and appropriate financial schemes for small producers as well as health clinics.
She also stressed on the importance of partnership among stakeholders in promoting women development, employment and entrepreneurship.
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