Achievements
Mandate of the National Women Entrepreneur Council
The National Women Entrepreneur Council (NWEC) is a parastatal body set up in 1999. It is the main organization that provides support and assistance to both potential and existing women entrepreneurs in Mauritius.
The mission of NWEC is to promote entrepreneurship and inculcate the right business culture for women empowerment in Mauritius.
As at October 2018, the National Women Entrepreneur Council (NWEC) has adopted a new strategic where a Membership Card was issued all registered and active women entrepreneurs.
Achievements Of National Women Entrepreneur Council From Jan To Dec 2019
2.1 Fairs/ Sales Exhibitions
Fairs and Sales Exhibitions are organized on a periodic basis in different regions so as to enable geographical diversification as well as boost existing sales and enhance marketing capability.
From Jan to Dec 2019, the National Women Entrepreneur Council in collaboration with other partners such as Prime Minister’s Office, Landscope Mauritius and Hotels (Solana Beach, St Regis, Anahita, 20 Degres Sud, Le Meridien, Paul et Virginie Hotel, Club Med, ), La Demeure St Antoine, Mont Choisy Mall, Rotary Club of Gros Cailloux, La City Trianon, Somags, Grand Bay La Croisette, Azuri, Sofitel)
75 Fairs/Sales Exhibitions have been organized from January to December 2019 across the island for Women Entrepreneurs. 858 participants registered Women Entrepreneurs have been able to sell and market their products.
2.2 Sensitization Campaigns
Sensitization campaigns have been conducted to enable women entrepreneurs to get access to information regarding facilities offered by NWEC to start and develop their enterprises.
From Jan to December 2019, Business Development Officers have conducted 25 sensitization campaigns across the island. Some 624 potential & existing Women Entrepreneurs, Family Support Officers and Students have benefitted from these sensitisation campaigns.
2.3 Training Programmes
Training programmes have been organised at Phoenix with the objective to motivate, empower and enhance skills of Women Entrepreneurs. The National Women Entrepreneur Council have offered both technical and managerial courses in collaboration with other stakeholders.
From Jan to December 2019, 5 training courses in the fields of Leadership, Adult Literacy for Entrepreneurship Development (ALED), Short courses on Marketing, Costing and Management of Business have been carried out and 130 women entrepreneurs have benefitted from the training courses.
2.4 Business Incubators
From Jan to Dec 2019, 3 women entrepreneurs have benefitted from Business Incubation facilities at Triolet Women Empowerment Centre.
2.5 Visit of Guests from Peaceboat
On 15 January 2019, the National Women Entrepreneur Council (NWEC), in collaboration with Connections DMC organized a live demonstration and sales exhibition by 25 Women Entrepreneurs at the seat of the NWEC, National Women Development Centre at Phoenix for the 40 guests of Peaceboat from Japan. The purpose of this activity was to give them an overview of the locally manufactured products and our food specialities.
2.6 Visit of the First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique
On the 31 January 2019, her Excellency Dr Isaura Goncalo Ferrao Nyusi, First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique visited one of our registered members engaged in the precious stone cutting and jewellery manufacturing. In addition, three women entrepreneurs participated in an exhibition at the Floreal Women Empowerment Centre to showcase their locally made products.
2.7 Visit of the Spouse of the President of Democratic Republic of Madagascar
In the context of the 51st Anniversary of the Independence Day of Mauritius, Mrs. Mialy Rajoelina, the First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Madagascar visited the NWEC on 11 March 2019 at the seat of the NWEC, Phoenix. The programme consisted of an Exhibition/Demonstration carried by 16 Women Entrepreneurs. There was also an interactive session with the participants. It ended by a guided tour to different units of the National Women Development Centre (Integrated Support Centre, ICT Laboratory, Home Economics).
2.8 Opening of Sales Outlet at the Port Louis Waterfront
In view to unleash and reinforce the economic potential of women’s enterprises, the National Women Entrepreneur Council (NWEC) launched a Sales Outlet (Kiosk) at the Esplanade of of the Port Louis Waterfront in the month of May 2019. The main objective was to promote market and sell locally made quality handicraft, local artwork and textile products produced by women entrepreneurs.
2.9 Federation of National Associations of Women in Business in Eastern and Southern Africa (FEMCOM) Annual General Meeting in Mauritius
The FEMCOM Secretariat organized the 5th Annual General Meeting and Conference in the Noah Wealth Centre, Jinfei, Mauritius on 18 June 2019. As the NWEC is the FEMCOM Chapter in Mauritius, the Chairperson participated in the above meeting.
2.10 Business to Business Meeting
The National Women Entrepreneur Council organised a Business to Business Meeting for Women Entrepreneurs on 24 June 2019 at La City, Trianon. The objectives of the Event were to reinforce networking between women entrepreneurs and well established enterprises and hotels, to increase visibility of women-owned businesses, to increase sales of women entrepreneurs and to showcase quality of locally made products. 51 women entrepreneurs in the fields of Agri-Business, Handicraft, Textile and Services have benefited.
A second Business to Business Meeting for Women Entrepreneurs on 14 August 2019 at the Caudan Arts Centre, Port Louis. The objectives of the Event was again to reinforce networking between women entrepreneurs and well established enterprises and hotels, to increase visibility of women-owned businesses, to increase sales of women entrepreneurs and to showcase quality of locally made products. 67 women entrepreneurs in the fields of Agri-Business, Handicraft, Textile and Services have benefited.