Saulos Chilima drums up support for female entrepreneurs

Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima has appealed to industry captains to support women with tailor-made microfinance packages that can help them start or boost their businesses.

He made the call during the Generational Equality International Conference Business Award Dinner on Thursday.

Chilima said he firmly believes that improving financial access for women is a pre-requisite for national development and an ideal step towards wealth creation.

“For countries that are getting things right and are improving the welfare of their people, women empowerment is one of the bedrocks for success. As we do our part as governments in Africa, the private sector must not stand aside and watch. No one should be a spectator in the women empowerment project,” challenged Chilima.

He also challenged eminent leaders through the Generation Equality International Conference, recommend, create and put on the table some of the solutions that could inspire more women to take up businesses to become financially reliant.

Chilima said women contribute highly to the socio-economic development of the country, especially at the highest levels of administrative and political governance structures.

“I implore captains of the industry present here to come forward and take part in the empowerment of women.

“As they say in the military: JOINANI. I still note with concern that a lot of women are involved in informal regional trade. Most women have the capacity, but their businesses do not flourish due to capital constraints,” he said.

The event, held at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe, attracted over 100 people.