By Tracey Liverpool
Another fifty-one women have graduated from the Activate level of the WE3A program, receiving their certificates at a graduation ceremony held at the Watooka Guest House over the weekend.
The WE3A (Aspire, Activate, Accelerate) program aims to strengthen and empower women in business across the country.
The recent graduates completed a six-month course designed to build and hone the necessary skills to accelerate their entrepreneurial journeys.
The program is a collaboration between WE3A, the Women Chambers of Commerce and Industry Guyana (WCCIG), the IDB Guyana Office, and the Thunderbird School of Global Management.
Rowena Elliott, President of WCCIG, emphasized the importance of supporting women’s economic development and advancement in today’s rapidly evolving society.
“Women owned and women led businesses play a vital role in our developmental phase for this direction Guyana is going in…They enhance the overall prosperity of our community …..fresh ideas…unique approaches….inspire the next generation ……inspire the next generation of women entrepreneurs and leaders.,” said Elliott.
The program is funded by the IDB Lab and Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (WeFi).
Representatives from both sponsor organizations congratulated the graduates for their commitment and perseverance.
They also underscored the importance of such initiatives in equipping individuals with the expertise needed to contribute to the expansion of the country’s economy.
Filisha Duke, CEO of Sure Gig Incorporated, was the feature speaker at the event.
She shared her inspirational journey, emphasizing her spirituality, the willpower to leave a legacy for her son, and her drive to give back to others as her motivation towards entrepreneurship.
Duke encouraged the graduates to stay focused on their goals and be mentally prepared to overcome obstacles.
Launched in 2022, the WE3A program is a three-year project aimed at strengthening women-owned small and medium enterprises in Central and South American countries by enabling value chain integration.
The program’s three main components—aspire, activate, and accelerate—deliver high-quality business training through various innovative digital means.
To date, more than 300 women across the country have benefited from the initiative.