Meet the Winners of the Women Who Boss Competition
Today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration held an award ceremony for its M.S.M.E. Women Economic Empowerment Initiative, Women Who Boss Competition. The event is part of the project to enhance the economic empowerment of women in Latin America and the Caribbean in the post-pandemic era. It focuses on technical assistance for women employment, entrepreneurship and financial inclusion. It is being implemented through partnership between the ministry and the Embassy of Taiwan in Belize. News Five’s Duane Moody was at the Leigh Richardson Building in Belmopan for the award ceremony and files this report.
Duane Moody, Reporting
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration awarded approximately twenty thousand dollars through its MSME Women Economic Empowerment Initiative. Dubbed the “Women Who Boss Competition,” five entrepreneurs were chosen from across the country to receive much needed funding for their budding and impactful projects.
Amalia Mai
Amalia Mai, C.E.O., Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade
“The competition’s objective was to assist female entrepreneurs who have received capacity building opportunities through the project with modest funds to help them advance their business. So to the strong, ambitious and persevering female entrepreneurs sitting before us today, I take time to congratulate you. We know that it is not an easy road you trod, but you took the opportunities before you and now your hard work is paying off. We are very happy to be a part of this small, but important initiative that spotlights the government’s interests in the economic empowerment of our talented and hardworking female entrepreneurs.”
The project of women empowerment in Belize speaks to institutional capacity building, vocational skill training, women entrepreneur advice training, an international initiative forum and MSMEs COVID-19 Resilience. The initiative is being done in partnership with the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Lily Li-Wen Hsu
Lily Li-Wen Hsu, Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize
“It’s yet another successful project that Taiwan and Belize team up to help enhance women’s skills and provide consultation and the resources for them to start a business or take their business to the next level. Today, while we get together to congratulate the winners, I’d also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the participants partaking in this competition. Winner or not, they are all extraordinary women who inspire us with courage, persistence and determination. And I believe this will surely bring them a step closer to achieving their entrepreneurial ambitions and economic independence.”
Meet the five awardees who engage in projects that span financial training, cuisine, clothing and preservation of cultural languages.
Jennifer Arzu-Williams
Jennifer Arzu-Williams, Barauda’s Secret
“Barauda’s Secret will be investing this money in the advancement for our business. We are so honoured to be one of the recipients and we have already booked our summer line. So the Garifuna attire, we will be getting our four designers, indigenous Garifuna and non-Garifuna, and we will be using the funds to get fabric from our local stores here in Belize.”
Candice Wade
Candice Wade, Chuc’s Delight
“Chuc’s Delight is currently producing an eco-friendly community consisting of organic compost, liquid fertilizer, healthy meals and soon-to-come garden tours with dry fruits, vegetables and herbs. Its plan to invest this award to acquire and purchase comfortable sitting area. This will attract more customers.”
Yssenia Guerra
Yssenia Guerra, Yessi’s Cuisine
“Everyone who allowed us the open doors to pitch our business out there and also to allow us to have an investment. And this will be one of our first investment for the expansion of this delicious hot sauce.”
Nicolyn Raymond, Inner Peace Financials
“We deliver a path to the most simple and user-friendly courses to help people understand and manage their personal finances. We offer courses, consultations, engagements to business owners, individuals and communities and also to academia as well as large and small businesses.”
Katia Montenegro Hoare
Katia Montenegro Hoare, Montrans Consulting
“This grant will set me a step closer to my business goals especially during times when women have made significant changes in the business world and as we continue to be key players in the development of our country. Also as we strive to advance in gender gaps for equal opportunities.”
Duane Moody for News Five.
