Women counselled to turn challenges into opportunities

By David Kisanga

IPP Executive Chairman Dr Reginald Mengi makes remarks in Dar es Salaam yesterday when opening a three-day seminar for women entrepreneurs from across Tanzania. (Photo: Selemani Mpochi)

IPP Executive Chairman, Dr Reginald Mengi, has urged women in the country to be confident and turn the many challenges they face into opportunities.


Speaking yesterday in Dar es Salaam at the opening of a three day seminar organised by the Equal Opportunity for All Trust Fund (EOTF), Dr Mengi emphasized the need for women to be confident and keep a keen eye out for opportunities, despite challenges posed in their pursuit.

Themed: ‘Linking Production to Market’ the three day seminar aims at building capacity for women in entrepreneurship and capital management.

Underscoring that being poor is not necessarily permanent but rather, a challenge that can be overcome, he encouraged women to maintain a positive attitude, work together in groups following strategic plans under the guardianship of the many available stakeholders from both the public and private sectors as well as the many international organisations operating in the country.

He took the time to acknowledge and commend the EOTF Chairperson, Anna Mkapa for her tremendous efforts in enabling women move from been dependants to strong and independent contributors of national socio-economic development efforts.

In her welcoming remarks, EOTF Chairperson, Anna Mkapa said presentations at the seminar will cover among other things entrepreneurship, health and education aiming to build women’s capacity in different fields that will eventually help them run their businesses much more efficiently.

She went on to point out that, during its sixteen years of operation, EOTF has managed to educate over 66,800 women in entrepreneurship related trainings with over 54,000 participating in different exhibitions in and outside Tanzania, significantly boosting the financial standings and operations awareness as well as expanding their business networks.

She said by engaging in entrepreneurship, women are able to realize their dreams and break the devastating cycle of poverty that many were born in.
She implored women entrepreneurs to borrow a leaf from Dr Mengi who was once a small entrepreneur but with confidence and determination is now a globally renowned successful entrepreneur. 

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN