She is one of the most inspiring businesswomen in the business sector. She is also known for her contribution in putting various businesswomen in front. Her role to the commencement of Ethiopian Business Women Association of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) member countries is one of its kinds.
Engedaye Eshete is also the President of the Ethiopian Business Women Association and the Vice President of IGAD Member Countries of Business Women Association. Engedaye, a mother of four, has her first degree in Business Management and Diploma in the field of Law.
What is more, she is the Vice President of Africa Agro Women in Business organization, an organization established by 42 African countries in Kenya and mainly supported by UN women, and Executive Officer of the African Leaders’ Women as well.
The Ethiopian Herald had held a short talk with Engedaye Eshete in relation to the activities of the Ethiopian Business Women Association, the challenges most business women face and other similar issues.
Excerpt!
Herald: – What are the major activities of the Association?
Engedaye:- Since its establishment, the Ethiopian Women Business Association has been working persistently focusing on empowering women who are engaged in various business sectors. The association was first established by 14 leading women institutions operating in 249 branches across the country. Currently, there are around 278,000 members.
Herald: – What are the challenges that most women face in the business sector?
Engedaye:- Women in general face a number of challenges. Ranging from balancing family life and business to long attached gender related stereotypes, they encounter several problems. When we came to women in business, the burden is twofold. In addition to the aforementioned ones, they encounter financial problems, lack relevant and well-timed information, working and display areas.
Given the fact that the average number of the members is engaged in the middle and small businesses, limited access to funding and lack of collateral which is the basic requirement to get loan from financial institutions makes the challenge more demanding and tiring to further flourish their business. On the other hand, downplaying their own worth and fear to take risk in the business from the sides of some women are equally challenging them.
Such, bottlenecks though draw many back from the business venture, scores of women have won the battle and changed the status quo. These days it is not uncommon to see a number of successful enterprises owned and lead by women. Thus, women have to work diligently; not once allowing inconvenience and challenges keep them from realizing their big dream.
Herald: – How many of the members are engaged in the export market?
Engedaye:- Even though the performance of their export has not thriven at the desired rate, there are women who are involved in exporting various homemade products and excelled in the sector. Some women entrepreneurs engaged in the export of spices, homemade products such as Enjera, cultural clothes, among others are the best showcase in this instance.
Herald: – How about the activities that you are performing to empower the members of the association?
Engedaye:- As an association, we are working to empower women. We deliver number of short term trainings that are believed to be fundamental in the business sector and enable them to resist tough situations thereby succeeded in the areas of engagement. On the other hand, various institutions and stakes also support us by providing trainings for members.
Herald: – What is your take on the overall
Support provided by the government or concerned institutions?
Engedaye:- It is a fact that the government has been supporting women in many possible ways to improve their lives and empower them. However, the only gap that needs to be addressed is that it has not placed a mechanism in more resolute and unwavering manner to sensitize incentive packages that are devised to support women. The government has to work more in this regard.
Herald: – The novel coronavirus, besides being public health crisis, it is posing unprecedented economic impacts around the world through limiting peoples’ movement, halting activities and cutting off supply chains. The case is not as such different in Ethiopia. So, tell us about the measures the association has taken to reduce the negative impacts of the pandemic?
Engedaye: Like any other businesses, the challenges the pandemic cause on us are multilayered. The association to curb the spread of the various is working jointly with stakes. Concurrently, to the awareness raising activities that are provided, member associations involved in the textile sector are playing their part in making face masks and delivering to the members in a fair price.
The Ethiopian Herald May 13/2020
BY BETELHEM BEDLU
