Women's Expo An Assault On Unemployment -Tibone

THATO CHWAANE
Staff Writer | Tuesday July 3, 2007 00:00

 

'It is their way of taking on the challenge of poverty reduction and unemployment,' the minister said.
He said that for those pursuing the gender agenda, the theme - 'Innovation and creativity: The Key for Women Entrepreneurs to Penetrate the Global Market' - demonstrates that contrary to what some may believe, 'you need not to be a man to succeed and given the facts on the ground, that success is associated with women.'

Tibone said that the government has come to the conclusion that the 'marginalisation and disadvantage suffered by women, who are the majority, makes no economic, social or political sense'. The minister explained that the exposition's theme was retained from last year, in order to make observations on the impact that the expositions make on the exhibitors in ensuring that their exhibits meet, not only national but also regional and international standards.

Meanwhile, several women walked away with prizes at the end of the event during which women showcased goods and services ranging from art crafts, confectionaries, agricultural products, chemicals, detergents, herbal, textiles and leather products.
The chief judge of the goods and services, Minah Mosele, said that the competition was stiff.

She said that overall, the products were good however there was still room for improvement. Mosele said the women exhibitors should improve on their packaging, product quality, work on cleanliness, keep up the creativity and should not be afraid to market their items.
One representative of the Nkaikela Youth Group in the household detergents (level one), said they won first prize because they market themselves and know what they are doing.
Huguenot Fine Chocolates won first prize under level three categories of bread and confectionary. Speaking to Monitor, the manager of Huguenot, Mokashane Nxumalo said that they were excited about the achievement after only seven months in business. 'We feel excited and motivated. We cannot be complacent though and we hope to come here every year,' she said.

Currently based at Molapo Crossing, she said that her chocolates are freshly made in Botswana. Nxumalo said she is hoping to get into the export market and penetrate the local market. She said they still lacked resources to advertise themselves.
Mary Tsietso of Matlo Go Sha Mabapi group in Tshabong said although they did not win this time around, they are determined to work even harder for next year's event.

Her group comprises 10 Tshabong women who bring together different talents of making candles, to duvets, mateisi and uniforms. Tsietso said having started to operate from home this year, they would eventually move to a common place. She said that they need to market themselves and for the council to see their products. She said their mission is to see and learn how others operate.