Businesswomen’s network launches in Lesotho

Sekete Lesaoana

The Circle of Global Business Women (CGBW) launched a Lesotho branch at a glamorous occasion on Saturday night.

A non- profit organization, CGBW Lesotho aims to assist Lesotho business women to participate in inter-connected business ventures globally.

The organization is also meant to facilitate exchanges through innovations for women in business, among its functions.

The launch of CGBW Lesotho was graced by high profile guests in both the private and public sector, including among others, Prime Minister Samuel Matekane, Trade and Industry Minister Mokhethi Shelile, and business woman Matšeliso Mokuoane among others.

Speaking to Newsday on the sidelines of the launch, the president of CGBW Lesotho, Attorney Nonnie Da Silva Manyokole said the organisation would help to formalise business women’s unity in the country beyond just word of mouth.

“Networks are key in helping entrepreneurs, and for that matter, we have always had our own market place. In it there is middle class businesses then there is very large businesses, this is where there is transfer of business skills. 

“We also secured funding from financial institutions for our financial support. We have had the support for the launch from certain institutions and we will approach them for the support moving forward. Unity among these women will not be just about money but also sharing of technical business skills.”

Addressing attendants at the event, Shelile said women tend to be looked down upon when it comes to venturing into business, yet they can play a big role in addressing the country’s socio economic challenges.

“Regardless of their education status, women still tend to be classified as having less business skills than men,” he said.

“This is not just a human rights issue but a tremendous waste of human potential. By denying women equal rights, we deny half the population a chance to live life at it’s fullest. Political economy and social equality for women will benefit all the world citizens, and together we can eradicate prejudice,” Shelile added.