??????? ??? ??????? ???????’ ????? ?? ???? ?????? ???????? ????

Female entrepreneurs across Antigua and Barbuda will have an opportunity to reach dozens of new customers as the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) gets set to stage its International Women’s Day Business Expo.

The event takes place on Tuesday 8 March 2022, between the hours of 10:00am and 4:00pm at the ABWU headquarters. On display will be various categories of local products and services such as craft, clothing and textiles, cosmetology, design and technology.

Industrial Relations and Training Officer at the ABWU, Hazel Luke says the event was conceived to highlight the resilience of women throughout the pandemic. She notes that while many women would have lost their jobs, a considerable number of women have ventured into small business operations as a means of replacing their income.

“We are pleased as a Union to support our female members who have transitioned into entrepreneurship. We know that women are amongst the most vulnerable groups in our population and are impacted more severely by economic shocks,” Luke remarked. “However, at the same time, women, whenever they are empowered – through the removal of gender biases – can make tremendous economic contributions,” she added.

A mini health fair will also form part of the event. Presentations on women’s and family health will be made by practitioners in the medical community.

Individuals interested in participating in the International Women’s Day Business Expo are invited to visit the ABWU headquarters on Lower Newgate Street or call 462-2005. Only 10 exhibitors will be accommodated and all must be past members of the ABWU. Registration is free of cost and the deadline is 4 March 2022.

International Women’s Day is an annual global event celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. The theme for this year’s observance of International Women’s Day is “#BreakTheBias”.