On the 4th April 2024, the Women Creating Wealth team proudly unveiled its Agricultural Value Chains Programme in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development (CCRED) and with support from the European Union. This programme aims to create an enabling environment for women-owned and operated businesses in agricultural sector to thrive.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Shiphra Chisha, the Director of Programmes at the Graça Machel Trust, echoed the profound sentiment of the Trust's founder, who has said the advancement of women through entrepreneurship translates not only into individual prosperity, but into the enrichment of entire communities.
"Our founder's concern has always been, if women lack funds, they lack a voice. Without a voice, women cannot participate in decision-making processes that affect them and their independence. This has a ripple effect to the next generation, affecting our adolescent girls' access to resources and opportunities. So this is why we as a Trust and African women say 'this mission is personal to us'. We aim to create a movement of women supporting each other to amplify their voices, create wealth, and generate job opportunities for the youth." - remarked Ms Chisha.
This new programme aspires to support 155 formal woman-owned businesses operating in the poultry, winery, and citrus sectors to increase access to markets and finance as well as influence the implementation of gender-responsive economic policies in South Africa. Of these, 10% will be led by young women entrepreneurs (between the ages of 19 - 35), 10% by women with disabilities and at least 80% by women of colour.
"When we received the Graça Machel Trust's application, we were seeking initiatives that would advance the economic advancement and inclusion of women. Additionally, we sought endeavours that would facilitate women's equal access to financial opportunities. Their proposal met all these criteria, So it was an unequivocal decision to join forces. We look forward to the collaborative success of this new programme" - Ms Musa Gwebani, Programme Officer of the European Union to South Africa.
Beyond the statistics and strategic objectives, the true essence of the event emerged through the testimonials by entrepreneurs' Ms Phiwo Shabangu from the Women Creating Wealth programme and Ms Sibongile Cele from the Fair4All Project. Their testimonials served as a testament to the resilience and fortitude in the face of adversity by women entrepreneurs in the South African agricultural sector.
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"I started my journey with WCW as a new farmer, but through their comprehensive support in business development, personal mastery, and coaching, I gained invaluable skills and the confidence to grow my business. Today, I have secured funding to expand my operation, which is set to produce 450,000 chicken - one of the nation's largest!" - Phiwo Shabangu.
As the event drew to a close, a moment of solidarity unfolded during the engaging panel discussion, epitomising the spirit of sisterhood and collective advancement. Ms. Selina Hlabedi shared her own journey, prompting tears of recognition and shared experience from fellow panellist Ms Ntuthu Mbiko. In a stirring display of unity, Ms. Chisha led the room in song--a melody of praise to the resilience of women and the transformative power of collective action to comfort Ms Mbiko. With a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony, the programme was officially inaugurated, marking the commencement of a transformative journey for women in South African agriculture.
Project unveiling through a ribbon cutting.
As the guests departed, they carried with them the profound belief that through collaboration and advancement, women can indeed create wealth - not just for themselves but for generations to come. The Women Creating Wealth Agricultural Value Chains Programme stands as a beacon of progress and possibility, illuminating a path towards a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.
If you are a driven women entrepreneur in the citrus, poultry and winery value chains in South Africa, apply for this new programme here: https://bit.ly/3PfuZHG. Applications close on 20 April 2024
