Tag: Welift

A number of women from ‘C’ Field Sophia are now closer to establishing businesses in the area of garment construction, after being awarded sewing machines.

 

The sewing machines were handed over to the women at the ‘C’ Field Sophia Community Centre by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, following their successful completion of the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) garment construction course.

 

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security noted that, in recognising the pivotal role of skill-based initiatives in sustainable community development, this provision aims to bolster local economic activity by empowering the women to leverage their newly acquired skills for income generation and self-sufficiency.

 

Himwattie Kishun, a beneficiary of the garment construction course offered by the WIIN programme initiative conducted through the ministry, expressed her gratitude during the simple handover ceremony hosted at the community centre.

 

“I am very happy to join this programme and I’m glad that all the young people could take part, and I wish it come more every year,” she said.

 

In response, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindyha Persaud, assured that this will be a continuous initiative, specifically designed and tailored to meet the needs of the women.

 

“Well now you have your own sewing hubs, it’s going to be here all year-round. It’s not something that’s only going to be a couple times a year, it’s going to be every day, all day–run by you women of Sophia,” she noted.

 

Additionally, Tiffany Gennis of Wonder Beauty Salon expressed gratitude for the skills she acquired.

 

“I also take part in this sewing programme and I come out great because I’m doing my own lil small business now. So, I must convey gratitude to the WIIN programme and also give you a special ‘thank you,’” she told the minister.

 

Gennis also conveyed her appreciation for being able to participate in the WE LIFT Women’s Expo, which was held last weekend at the National Aquatic Centre.

 

The expo, which is considered the largest women’s expo initiative in the region, provided exposure as well as economic and social empowerment to over 350 women-owned businesses.

 

The WIIN programme continues to transform the lives of thousands of women across the regions of Guyana, through its impactful hybrid training format. It continues to yield entrepreneurs, women-owned businesses and empowered women who are knowledgeable in various technical and vocational areas, in addition to increasing their chances of gaining meaningful employment.

From homemade breads and pastries to locally written books and handcrafted jewellery, women entrepreneurs are taking centre stage this weekend at the National Aquatic Centre in Liliendaal, Georgetown.

More than 350 women in business are showcasing their products and services at the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s WE LIFT 5 exhibition, which began on Friday.

Business owner Chevon Lim of L’Evate Management Studio—an event planning, publishing, and editorial services company—is promoting numerous locally written books at the exhibition. In a special interview with the ministry, she said, “The books are about Guyanese culture, folklore,” and noted that she would be launching a new piece called “You’ve got it, own it”, which deals with women empowerment and various issues affecting women. Lim is a first time participant at the event.

Oneca Caesar, who owns the Countryside Kitchen, said she has a passion for cooking using the old-school methods and enjoys bringing the “country to the town.” Her items at the exhibition include corn bread, homemade bread, cakes and pastries, prepared using the methods of her elders. Caesar applauded the WE LIFT event, describing it as “a great opportunity for women to showcase their talents, while at the same time, meeting new customers and creating opportunities to expand their operations.”

Jewellery designer Matoya Grant, whose business Mag Elegance produces handmade costume and silver jewellery, shared that her items are made using all Guyanese materials such as precious stones and other minerals. An avid participant in the WE LIFT exhibition, Grant said, “The event gets bigger and better with each year.” She urged citizens to “come out to the event and support women in business,” highlighting the numerous items and services that will be offered.

The three-day exhibition was officially opened by subject minister Dr Vindhya Persaud and is now being dubbed the largest women’s exhibition ever hosted in Guyana. What began five years ago with just 75 women exhibitors has grown into a vibrant platform for over 350 female entrepreneurs, representing a range of industries including candle making, agro-processing, fashion, hospitality services, and food preparation.

Apart from the exhibition, today’s WE LIFT activities will feature a candle-making tutorial, jewellery making, Easter hat making, portraits and painting sessions, yoga, and more. Participants who benefitted from WE LIFT training between 2021 and 2023 will also be awarded certificates for the courses they completed during that period.

Models at the opening of the expo (MoHSSS)

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud, looks at agro- processed products on display (MoHSSS photo)