Over 100 women entrepreneurs celebrate graduation milestone
As these women entrepreneurs set forth to conquer new frontiers, they carry with them the torch of inspiration, illuminating paths for generations of aspiring entrepreneurs to follow.
In a remarkable display of female empowerment and business acumen, over 100 aspiring women entrepreneurs gathered to mark a significant milestone in their journeys at a grand graduation ceremony.
Hosted at the Regenesys Business School Campus in Sandton, the event showcased the remarkable achievements and resilience of these pioneering women in the competitive world of entrepreneurship.
Amid a backdrop of applause and cheers, each graduate received their well-deserved certificates from the Graça Machel Trust symbolising not only their completion of an intensive entrepreneurial training programme of the Women Creating Wealth but also their commitment to breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings.
Keynote speaker Korkor Kudjoe, the trust’s senior entrepreneurship manager, said, “The Women Creating Wealth (WCW) programme is a flagship entrepreneurship initiative of the Graça Machel Trust (GMT).”
She added that over 2 500 women entrepreneurs are currently participating in seven countries across the continent, and this programme is set apart from others by offering a unique combination of personal mastery and technical business skills, including investor readiness, and enabling access to markets.
“Today, we look forward to acknowledging and celebrating the fantastic entrepreneurs we have been working with over the past year.”
Kudjoe explained that working with women entrepreneurs in South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, Malawi, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda, the programme’s goal is to support entrepreneurs who are willing to learn and grow with the right skills and growth mindset to develop a compelling business case, attract investors, and scale their business so that they start creating wealth.
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“We have found that women entrepreneurs face common challenges such as a lack of access to finance to scale their businesses and a lack of understanding of the market. Our mission is to tackle these issues head-on and support women entrepreneurs to reach their full potential.”
Founder of the trust and broad chairperson, Graça Machel, said, “As the graduates embark on the next chapter of their entrepreneurial journeys, armed with newfound skills, networks, and confidence, they carry with them the collective hope and determination to leave an indelible mark on the world.”
Machel emphasised that this graduation ceremony not only celebrates their accomplishments but heralds the beginning of a new era of female-led innovation and empowerment.
“Congratulations, graduates, the world is yours for the taking. Go forth and conquer it with the same grace, determination, and fearlessness that have brought you to this momentous day. And may your journey be filled with endless possibilities and boundless success.”
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