For the British High Commissioner, H.E. Mrs. Charlotte Pierre, Mauritian women lead innovative businesses, can inspire their communities, and shape their country’s economic future. “As new global challenges arise, promoting and supporting female entrepreneurship must remain a priority for all of us. This is not simply an issue of equality – it also makes good economic sense. The UK is proud to have supported Mauritius’ trade and gender equality efforts over the past few years, including through the She Trades Commonwealth Programme, a UK funded Commonwealth-wide initiative has paved the way for increased economic growth and job creation by helping hundreds of female-owned businesses access international trade opportunities”, said the British High Commissioner.
H.E. Mrs. Charlotte Pierre added: “By launching the SheTrades Hub in Mauritius today, we mark a new chapter in the UK-Mauritius partnership, a vital opportunity that will help provide Mauritian women the right skills and networks to unlock their full potential. As Mauritius expands its trade exports , the UK Government, in partnership with the Economic Development Board and the International Trade Centre, remains committed to championing trade policies and programmes that advance women’s economic empowerment.”
“Following the launch of the new SheTrades Hub strategy in September 2022, our SheTrades Hub Focal Points received training on export-readiness, visual communication, inclusive supply chains, and strategies to foster private sector partnerships,” said Ms Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director, International Trade Centre (ITC). “The SheTrades Mauritius project aims to strengthen the business support ecosystem, facilitate market access for Mauritian women entrepreneurs, and build the sector-specific entrepreneurial skills of young women graduates in the country,” she added.
Ms Coke-Hamilton commended Mauritius for implementing the National Export Strategy and launching the upgraded Trade Obstacles Alert Mechanism and National Strategy and Action Plan for Women Entrepreneurship Development.
During the launch of the SheTrades Hub platform, an MoU was signed between FCDO and ITC, represented by HE Charlotte Pierre and Ms Pamela Coke Hamilton. This MoU marks the engagement of the FCDO to finance ITC’s upcoming projects.
Another MoU was signed between EDB and ITC, represented by Mr Ken Poonoosamy and Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilto, in the presence of Mrs Kobita Jugnauth and HE Charlotte Pierre. It is an agreement which marks the firm intention of the two parties to work together to implement the SheTrades Hub.
BACKGROUND
As a reminder, the SheTrades Mauritius project is funded by the UK Government and has already seen 75 local women entrepreneurs register on the SheTrades platform and connect to national, regional, and global markets by showcasing their products and services. The project has also hosted a range of workshops and training programs aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in the apparel and non-apparel industry.
The launch of the SheTrades Hub in Mauritius represents a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to empower women entrepreneurs and promote economic growth and development. With the support of the International Trade Centre, the Economic Development Board, and other partners, women entrepreneurs in Mauritius now have a valuable platform to showcase their products and services, connect with potential buyers and partners, and gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the global marketplace.
The SheTrades initiative will further help to create a more inclusive and prosperous economy by providing women entrepreneurs with access to finance, training, networking opportunities, and support for digital entrepreneurship.”
Article – Courtesy of the Economic Board of Development
<https://edbmauritius.org/newsroom/uk-mauritius-itc-shetrades-hub-launched-in-mauritius-to-empower-women-entrepreneurs> – 10th March 2023
