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Empowering Swazi Women Entrepreneurs through Mobile Payments
The Taiwan Technical Mission in Eswatini hosted its annual International Women’s Day celebration on March 7 as part of the "Women’s Microenterprise Mentoring and Capacity Building Project." Nearly 100 guests attended the event, at which the technical mission introduced the significance of International Women’s Day and highlighted the TaiwanICDF’s efforts in promoting women’s economic empowerment in the southern African country. The event also featured inspiring testimonials from female entrepreneurs who have benefited from the project.
During the event, two women selected to participate in the "38th Surajkund International Handicrafts Fair" in India this year shared their experiences. Dlamini Cebsile described the overseas exhibition as a rare and valuable opportunity. She encouraged all local artisans to take pride in their work and utilize digital platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp to showcase their creations and seize life-changing opportunities. Another participant, Penelop Dlamini, emphasized that pursuing one's passion and skills can lead to greater achievements. She recounted how, despite having a stable job before starting her business, she was unfulfilled, knowing she needed to carve her own path. She expressed a sense of achievement gained from staying true to her passion, and urged Eswatini women to persevere in pursuing their dreams.
A particularly moving part of the celebration was the testimony of Charity Dlamini, a visually impaired entrepreneur who has been running a mobile payment business since 2017. Sharing her story, she said: "Being visually impaired presents many challenges, but thanks to the Women’s Microfinance Revolving Fund supported by the Taiwanese government, I have been given equal opportunities just like anyone else. Even as a visually impaired individual, I refuse to be seen as ‘HHAWU SHEM’ (someone to be pitied and helped). I am deeply grateful to the TaiwanICDF and the fund for believing in me."
TaiwanICDF Deputy Secretary General Pei-Fen Hsieh commented on the event saying that it aimed to inspire more women to pursue their dreams by showcasing the success stories of Eswatini’s female entrepreneurs. She also emphasized the importance of breaking barriers and fostering entrepreneurship among women. Hsieh noted that the theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is "#AccelerateAction," reaffirming the TaiwanICDF’s commitment to empowering women in partner and allied countries, and ensuring that progress continues at an accelerated pace.
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- Update: 2025/03/13
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