Women Entrepreneurs Seek Conducive, Competitive Environment For Businesses

Women entrepreneurs under the cover of the Association of Nigerian Women Business Network (ANWEBN) have called on the authorities to create a conducive environment for businesses, especially women-owned enterprises to thrive and compete with their counterparts abroad.

“We need a conducive economic atmosphere that reduces the cost of production, enhances the market and also helps people to be competitive in both local and international markets,” Secretary-general Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) Mrs Saudatu Mahdi said at the association’s summit and 10th anniversary in Abuja.

“We are now the head of the World Trade Organisation. We should see that translate into small and medium-scale businesses. We need to see them thrive. You don’t need a billion naira capital for a woman entrepreneur to thrive If the ecosystem of production, consumption and competition are correct,” she said.

National coordinator of ANWEBN Mrs Angela Ajala said the last 10 years has been characterised by remarkable milestones. She said the association has advocated tirelessly for women’s rights, standing up against discrimination and inequality. “We have empowered women to be leaders, innovators, and change makers in their communities,” she said.

Mrs Ajala said the association is introducing various initiatives and programmes, including health insurance, e-commerce for producers and packaging, startup capital at single digit interest rate and how to save and invest to support the Nigerian woman and encourage their businesses to grow. She said the association is also helping members to document their businesses for export and also pay the right taxes to avoid multiple taxation. “If business is going on we’ll be at that level, Nigeria will prosper.”

She said ANWEBN is more than just an alliance of associations, adding that it is a testament to the strength, resilience and unwavering commitment of women who have dedicated their lives to shaping a brighter, more equitable future. “It is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared purpose.”

Speaking to the theme “A Decade of Collaboration,” Ajala called on the participants to reaffirm their commitment to shared vision; a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive, where her voice is heard, her potential unleashed and her rights are respected. “Let us continue to advocate, educate and empower knowing that our collective efforts have the power to transform lives and societies.”

ANWB is a coalition of 75 associations and still growing with a membership spread of about 4 million women across Nigeria. It was established In February 2013 under the guidance of CIPE, Washington with a common goal of encouraging, improving and empowering sustainable entrepreneurial development among Nigerian women through research, advocacy, policy reforms and cap building initiatives. Mahdi said all of the member associations have grassroots membership across various fields that were designed to drive women inclusion down the line.

Those who spoke on the sideline of the summit unanimously agreed that the struggle for the emancipation of the Nigerian women has been achieved. They told journalists that the event is an opportunity to send down the message about women rights. “If we organise our feet, I think we can move mountains.”

“Use the economic empowerment in your hands to raise the voice of women in this country,” Mahdi told the young women entrepreneurs at the summit.

She said the national coordinator has presented an organised front for all women to continue to speak to each other and achieve freedom for the female folk.