Windhoek — Telecom Namibia and the Economist Business Club have reaffirmed their commitment to the Namibian Businesswomen Projects initiative for the next three years, with the telecommunication company pumping in over N$207 000 in sponsorship for this year alone.

"Though women need capital for their businesses, it is important to empower them through skills training and mentoring programmes for by doing so they will be able to face their day to day challenges in their lives and the communities they live with," said Oiva Angula, Telecom Namibia's senior manager of corporate communications and public relations.

Part of the funds will be used to host the upcoming Namibian Businesswoman of the Year award slated for later this year.

The initiative is a unique programme that recognises the work of high achieving women across a variety of fields. For the past years, the programme has been recognising, rewarding and celebrating the achievements of inspirational Namibian women who have pushed the boundaries and dared to dream.

This year's award will be held under the patronage of Nangula Uaandja, winner of the Businesswoman of the Year 2010 award and who is also managing partner and director of PricewaterhouseCoopers Namibia. Other activities to be funded under the sponsorship are the popular Northern Businesswomen Conference slated for August this year, as well as the Katuka Mentorship Programme that kicked off two weeks ago with 40 mentees and mentors.

A number of networking breakfast meetings will also be organised throughout 2013 to discuss a variety of topics for women's professional and personal development.

"As in the past, the screening and selection process will still be done by the selection committee chaired by Prof Agnes van Dyk. The only change is that this will now be known as the Telecom Namibian Businesswomen Bursary Fund," Angula explained.

Telecom Namibia has been a sponsor of Namibian Businesswomen Projects for the last nine years. "It is a privilege to be associated with programmes that either empower women or showcase the excellent calibre and quality of talented women in our country," Angula said. "At Telecom Namibia, our belief regarding the empowerment of women is simple: stronger women make stronger communities. We understand that creating economic opportunities for women is one of the wisest investments we can make, because women take their successes and generate further growth and advancement for their families, communities, professions, and businesses. Investing in expanded economic opportunities for women carries a powerful multiplier effect that benefits all of society," he said.

The Economist Business Club is the single largest organisation for women in Namibia, which was founded in 1997 and currently runs five development projects in the country, known as the Namibian Businesswomen Projects.

The association exists to promote networking amongst businesswomen, to support one another and to create worthwhile business opportunities.