{"id":7001,"date":"2024-08-14T13:06:10","date_gmt":"2024-08-14T13:06:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gracamacheltrust.org\/?p=7001"},"modified":"2024-08-14T13:06:10","modified_gmt":"2024-08-14T13:06:10","slug":"graca-machel-trust-networks-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test.gbstudio.co.za\/gmt\/uncategorized\/graca-machel-trust-networks-news\/","title":{"rendered":"Our networks"},"content":{"rendered":"

There is so much amazing work being done by the various networks GMT is privileged to partner with… far too much to include all of it in a single newsletter. So, in this section we are highlighting just a few activities from some of the New Faces New Voices country networks, with links at the end of the section to interviews with a few other network leads. Look out for highlights from other networks in the next edition of The Catalysts.<\/p>\n

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Networks\u2019 news – <\/strong>New Faces New Voices\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n

With networks in multiple countries on the continent, we are proud of each one tackling country specific issues head on. As a result, they are making a tangible impact in promoting women’s leadership in financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship. Through strategic initiatives, conferences, and mentorship programmes, these networks are driving significant economic growth in their respective regions.<\/p>\n

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Nigeria<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Key appointment strengthens women’s leadership and financial inclusion in Kano State<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Aisha Debola Aminu, the Country Director of NFNV Nigeria, was appointed on in July, to the Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs\u2019 committee. This appointment is a crucial step in advancing the National Policy on Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) in Nigeria, reinforcing the state\u2019s commitment to enhancing women\u2019s leadership and financial inclusion.<\/p>\n

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Mrs. Aminu is one of the committee members appointed by the Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs, led by Hajiya Aisha Saji, to implement the National Policy on Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE).<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

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Supporting women entrepreneurs through digital platforms<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Following the Women in Leadership and Financial Inclusion (WiLFI) Summit, 39 women entrepreneurs from the NFNV-Nigeria launched their businesses on the Kasuwa24.com platform. This initiative exemplifies the use of digital tools to help women entrepreneurs, with more participants expected to join soon.<\/p>\n

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\"\"Cross-Border Trade and Digital Finance<\/em><\/strong>
\nDuring a Digital Financial Inclusion and Women in Cross-Border Trade conference held in Lagos earlier this year, NFNV-Nigeria highlighted the challenges women face in cross-border trade and the transformative impact of technology. Country Director Aisha Debola Aminu emphasised the crucial role of women entrepreneurs in West Africa\u2019s economic growth, driven by their resilience and creativity.<\/p>\n

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Zimbabwe<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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\"\"Mentorship programme for financial inclusion<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

In May 2024, NFNV Zimbabwe hosted the Lead Circle Mentorship Programme in Harare. This strategic initiative aimed to enhance the visibility and influence of African women in the financial sector. Dr. Lucia Mandengenda, Chairperson of NFNV Zimbabwe, encouraged women to take on leadership roles and celebrated the achievements of women in finance. Find out more here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Uganda\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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\"\"<\/em><\/strong>Africa Firestarters workshop: Catalyzing business growth<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

In June 2024, NFNV Uganda’s Africa Firestarters<\/a> workshop made a significant impact by equipping women entrepreneurs with critical skills in sales and marketing, essential for scaling their businesses. The workshop, led by Dr. Theopista Sekitto, equipped women SMEs with actionable growth strategies. It emphasised creativity, innovation in product development, and effective marketing, which have already started enhancing their businesses’ market presence and sales performance. Read more here.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Rwanda\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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Congratulations to NFNV Rwanda, one of our newest networks, on successfully implementing impactful projects that support women entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n

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Seizing AfCFTA Opportunities for women entrepreneurs<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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During the 5th COMESA Federation of Women in Business Conference, Joy Rwamwenge, NFNV Rwanda Lead, highlighted the significant opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). She urged women entrepreneurs to capitalise on these opportunities by specialising in areas where they hold a comparative advantage, enhancing regional value chains and competitiveness.<\/p>\n

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Photo: NFNV-Rwanda Country Lead Joy Rwamwenge moderated the session <\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

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Supporting women-led MSMEs<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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NFNV Rwanda remains active on the ground, for example, providing coaching to women living with disabilities who own MSMEs. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to prepare women-led businesses for investment readiness, ensuring they are equipped to thrive in a competitive market.<\/p>\n

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Photo by NFNV- Rwanda: \u00a0Joy Rwamwenge, the New Faces New Voices Rwanda Lead, with Reeta Roy, President of Mastercard Foundation and other participants pictured at the showcase at the showcase.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

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\"\"Photo: NFNV Rwanda hosts women with disabilities who own MSMEs, eager to adopt best practices for transitioning their businesses to investment readiness.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Also, here is a spotlight on women leading change: Inspiring stories from some of our networks<\/strong><\/p>\n