The project was aimed at increasing female entrepreneurs’ possibilities to develop their professionalism, inspire them to fulfill their personal goals, exchange experiences with women who run companies in the same branch in Sweden and in South Africa, give insights about the terms that exist for women’s business and the possibilities that both countries give to their regional development and increasing business making.
The Empowerment method was used. All together 19 women have participated in the project, 2 of them have only followed the process in their own country. 16 of the participants are mainly running a company. In September 2007, eight South African women visited Kronoberg. The South Africans were matched in pairs with the Swedish women. Information was given about the work with regional development, resource centers for women and Växjö University.
From January – February 2008, eight Swedish women visited South Africa. The program started with a visit to Cape Town and to Robben Island. After that the group went to Potchefstroom and visits were made to the participating company holders, as well as in the municipality, township, and the Indian district, at the University, the Museum and in Cultural Village and also to Maropeng. The project has led to the establishment of a company owned by a Swedish women and a South African woman.
One more company is about to be established with one South African women and four Swedish in cooperation. An organization for women farmers in North West Province has been established. Application for a common film project has been sent in. Further discourse in handicap issues is taking place. Contacts with Crescent of Good Hope and a Muslim school are maintained. Containers with medical equipment are being filled up in Sweden to be sent to Potchefstroom. A South Africa exhibition is planned to take place in Qvinnor på G:s localities.
More information will come. The Swedish page has pictures from the trip. See Syd-Afrika.

Published by Gustavsson, Monica

Read more from this author >>> Send a message to the author >>>