SVSG EMPOWERS NOFOTANE WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN SAMOA THROUGH UN ESCAP PROJECT
The Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) is making significant strides in enhancing the business skills of nofotane women entrepreneurs in Samoa. This initiative is part of a project funded by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia (UN ESCAP), known as the SVSG/ESCAP Nofotane Business Development Training.
The primary objective of this project, which commenced in November 2023 and spans six months, is to economically empower 100 current or aspiring Nofotane women entrepreneurs from remote or rural areas of Samoa. This empowerment is achieved by providing these women with essential skills for the sustainability of their businesses.
Supported by ESCAP's Catalysing Women's Entrepreneurship (CWE) programme, funded by Global Affairs Canada, the project focuses on enhancing the economic empowerment of rural and remote indigenous women entrepreneurs. The SVSG/ESCAP Nofotane Business Development Training includes the development and piloting of three business modules in crucial areas for Nofotane women operating small/micro businesses. These modules cover Financial Literacy, Marketing Nofotane Products, and the Quality of Nofotane Products.
To reach their goal, the project organizers plan to conduct a two-day workshop, engaging 20 women in Savaii and 80 women in Upolu, to deliver the business development modules. Additionally, they aim to award seed funding of US$500 each to six selected Nofotane women entrepreneurs with promising business cases. These entrepreneurs will either expand their existing small businesses or establish new ones focused on Nofotane products.
Furthermore, the project includes mentorship and coaching sessions for the six seed funding awardees, facilitated by SVSG Village Representatives. An impact evaluation exercise will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the initiative.
This project aligns with SVSG's commitment to preventing violence through economic empowerment. SVSG President Siliniu Lina Chang emphasizes the timeliness and relevance of partnering with ESCAP to provide business skills training to economically empower women under the Nofotane Program. The initiative is poised to sustain small businesses established by women survivors of violence in remote areas of Samoa.
In broader terms, the project supports ESCAP's mission to dismantle barriers faced by women entrepreneurs in establishing, managing, and developing enterprises. Additionally, it aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals such as No Poverty, Gender Equality, Quality Education, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Reduced Inequalities. The collaboration between SVSG and ESCAP exemplifies a holistic approach to fostering positive change in the lives of Nofotane women entrepreneurs in Samoa.