Rwanda: EAC to Host Conference on Women in Socio-Economic Development

By Staff writer 

KIGALI----The East African Community (EAC) will host a Conference on Women in Socio-Economic Development and Women in Business in Kigali from August 5th to 6th, 2011; at the Kigali Serena Hotel. The theme of the conference, “Unlocking Business Opportunities for Women in an EAC Common Market", reads a statement from the EAC.

The overall goal of the conference is to bring together East Africa business women to explore the opportunities and challenges offered by the EAC Common Market, promote regional entrepreneurship, build networks and enhance economic empowerment.

The specific objectives of the Conference are to: raise awareness of business Women on the Customs Union and the Common Market Protocol and assess ways and means for taking advantage of the two Protocols and provide a forum for business Women to discuss regional business opportunities, showcase their products and network in cross border trade and investment within the EAC.

It  will  identify challenges faced by Women Entrepreneurs with regard to the current stage of integration and advocate for financial inclusion of Women Entrepreneurs through the creation of a Regional Microfinance Scheme for Women.

Other objectives include among others  assessing the status of gender in the implementation of MDGs as a Global platform for Development and make proposals for consideration by the Partner States; and brainstorming the process for the establishment of an East African Women Entrepreneurs Association.

EAC partner states are Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and Burundi.