MEETING RATIONALE
Women entrepreneurs in the SAARC region, though growing in strength and numbers, are still faced with myriad challenges. From the unavailability of a level playing field to a lack of marketing outlets and business strategies, women SMEs in the region still await a much-needed thrust to forge ahead as a strong entity and platform for women‟s economic and social growth.
INAUGURAL EVENT
The meeting held in Thimphu was preceded by a marching ceremony. (opening ceremony ) at the Hotel Le Meridien on 20th July 2017. The Hon’ble Minister for foreign affairs, Bhutan, Lyonpo Damcho Dorji, was the Chief Guest. The inaugural session was attended by delegates, comprising mostly of women business leaders from the eight member countries, members of Parliament, Government officials, private sector(Women-owned), SMEs from Bhutan, CSOs, and media houses.
MEETING DAYS 1 & 2
Session 1: “Effective Policies for Women Entrepreneurship in the SAARC Region”
Session 2: Understanding the Gaps: Group Work
Session 3: Cross analysis and recommendations (group work and presentation)
Final Joint Recommendations
Women representative of SAWDF in SAARC Technical committees.
SAARC Bank for women to have facilities to mentor business ideas, innovations, marketing, and value chain development amongst others.
Trade directory (Database) for all women entrepreneurs.
Way forward (concluding remarks)
The recommendations tabled above will be presented to the SAARC secretariat and SG for immediate implementation.
SAWDF Team calling on H.E Mrs. Yu Hong, Ambassador of the Republic of China. Ms. Pramila Acharya Rijal, President, SAWDF briefed the Ambassador on the programs and activities of SAWDF and collaboration between the Chinese women entrepreneurs organization and SAWDF.
