Participants during the #mPowerBusinessWomen meet at the YouthNet office located in 4th Mile, Chümoukedima on June 2. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 2
A two-day long, “#mPowerWomen@Work and #mPowerBusinessWomen” was organised US Consulate General of Kolkata, supported by Contact Base, an NGO from Kolkata and YouthNet, Nagaland in Dimapur on June 1 and 2.
On the second day, the #mPowerBusinessWomen meet was organized at the YouthNet office located in 4th Mile, Chümoukedima. Adrian Pratt, Director, American Centre in Kolkata and Public Affairs Officer, US Consulate General inaugurated the event, chairing several sessions with the participants in attendance.
In his speech, the US Diplomat stated that, “This event is one of many efforts across the region that continues our partnership with local organizations to focus on raising awareness and motivating action toward revised policy frameworks.”
In addition, it also provides the opportunity to deliberate on safer work environments, continued education, and equal compensation. “For our part, we will continue to contribute to the strengthening of this framework as a South Asian dialogue and look forward to continued regional synergies and collaborations,” he added.
Gender-focused business networks such as, Women Entrepreneur Network Nagaland, North East Network; Youth Net took part in the event along with representatives from the EduCentre School of Business.
A total of five business experts, representatives from business networks, and mentors shared insights on Women’s Economic Empowerment in Nagaland. This is followed by a mentoring session for aspiring women-led enterprises, addressing access to market, finance, networks, and mentors. Additionally, five industry experts provided a group mentoring session to three start-ups.
An interactive workshop focusing on tools for self-management and care was facilitated by wellbeing experts from the US, Kimberly M. Moore and Ednesha Saulsbury co-founders of Black Woman Be Whole.
Among the women participants, Imliben Lemtur, founder and CEO of Monalisa Business Solutions viewed that the programme gave insightful advices on improving business pitches, strategy and planning needed in a male-dominated economy. She was also part of the four-member team from India, selected and sponsored by the US Consulate to visit the US in 2022.
In total, 50 women participants attended the second day of the #mPowerBusinessWomen meet.
Earlier on June 1, a cluster visit followed by a roundtable meet was organized as part of the project WWW. Business experts and mentors from India and the USA visited the Loin loom weaving cluster at Dhansiripar village, and the Banana Fibre extraction cluster at Bade village, Chümoukedima. Afterward, they headed to a roundtable meet at Naga Express Bowl café and restaurant in Dimapur.
In the meet, experts reflected on the current situation of women and the creative economy, cultural diversity and peace, employability, and access to finance for women, international business and sustainable farming, responsible tourism, sustainable business, gender equity, and cultural diplomacy.
A total of 10 business experts, mentors, experienced entrepreneurs, and government officials took part in the meet.
