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South African Women Entrepreneurs' Network
Background
The establishment of South African Women Entrepreneurs Network (SAWEN)
is a reaction to the fact that women entrepreneurs in South Africa continuously
face a wide array of obstacles in starting, growing and sustaining their own
enterprises. This dti initiative is a networking forum for individuals
and organisations that are committed to the promotion and advancement of
women entrepreneurs.
Vision
SAWEN will represent and articulate the aspirations of all women
entrepreneurs (existing and potential) that operate within the
South African SMME sector.
Mission
SAWEN is a South African National network that facilitates and
monitors the socio-economic advancement of women entrepreneurs
and their positive impact on the country’s economy.
Business Values
SAWEN subscribes to the following values:
- Gender Equity
- Co-operation
- Social conscience
- Integrity
- Excellence
Objectives
- To provide a national vehicle that brings women
together and addresses the challenges faced by them.
- To lobby government, public and private institutions on such
issues. However, this is not limited to policy, legislation
and/ or proposed legislation affecting either directly or
indirectly the trade and commerce activities of women entrepreneurs.
- To align SAWEN with other bodies or organisations with
similar business at both a national and international level,
and to leverage the relationships arising out of these alignments
for the benefit of its members.
- To facilitate access to business resources, information
and opportunities for South African women entrepreneurs in
a way that promotes their effective participation in the global economy.
- To profile and affirm women in business leadership positions
in both the public and private sectors.
SAWEN Achievements
- Registered as section 21 company
- Established and staffed national SAWEN Head Office, based in Bryanston
- Secured R2million per annum operational budget
- Established provincial chapters in 8 provinces: Kwa-Zulu-Natal,
North West, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Northern Cape, Gauteng, Free State
and the Western Cape (Mpumalanga will be launched soon.)
- Recruited 2000 potential members who own small to medium enterprises
countrywide
- Organised international educational and empowerment trade missions to
Beijing, Morocco, India, New York, etc.
- Ensured a gender-sensitive BEE strategy
- Facilitated business linkages between SA women and those from
SWEDEN and the United Kingdom
- Facilitated business linkages amongst SA women entrepreneurs
- Exposed more women to various local and international business forums.
All these achievements have made SAWEN a critical force in the South
African economy with regards to the empowerment of women entrepreneurs.
We intend making our mark on the African continent and in Europe.
Our Shopping Basket
- Gathering and updating the database of women’s enterprises and services rendered by these;
- Organising networking forums with regional and international business organisations and partners;
- Facilitating access to pertinent business information;
- Facilitating capacity building and training;
- Lobbying and advocating enabling and supportive policies and legislation.
Our Clients
The primary clients of SAWEN is any female South African citizen owning or
managing an enterprise as part of generating profit, thus contributing
towards growing the South African economy. Secondary, anyone who aspires
to start her own business.
How to become a member of SAWEN
Interested parties can became a primary member of SAWEN by completing
a membership registration form (2007/8)accompanied by an annual fee of R300.
A membership card will be issued and this entitles the member to
various benefits.
SAWEN Benefits
- Opportunity to lobby and advocate for enabling and supportive policies
and legislation critical for opening opportunities for your enterprise.
- Updated database of women’s enterprises and services rendered by
these to link you with all your customers.
- Organised and strategic local, regional and international business
network as well as regional and international business organisations
and partners to empower business forums.
- Updated pertinent business information.
- Capacity building and training opportunities crucial for your
business to survive and grow.
Related Documents
Our contact details
SAWEN National Satellite Office
Contact: Ms Jessica Sibuyi
Tel : +27 (12) 394 1606
Email : jsibuyi@thedti.gov.za
Email: Mmabatho@thedti.gov.za
SAWEN - your link to Business Opportunities!
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