Ntuli to launch KwaZulu-Natal Women Advancement Fund

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, says the provincial government is making significant strides towards advancing the lives of women and putting them at the forefront of the economic mainstream. This follows an announcement the Premier made during his State of the Province Address that within the first 100 days in office, he would unveil the KwaZulu-Natal Women Advancement Fund (KZNWAF). The KZNWAF is a pioneering initiative designed to empower and support women entrepreneurs in the province by addressing the unique challenges they face in business. The Premier is expected to launch the fund on Friday. 'This launch will provide a platform to connect visionary women entrepreneurs with corporate and government leaders, promoting long-term investments, collaboration, and innovation,' said the Premier. Meanwhile, a lack of funding, limited support, gender bias, and access to markets which result in exclusion from the mainstream economy are among the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. Ntuli said the fund will provide women with financial resources, mentorship, and business development services. 'We are excited to be launching this fund which is led by the Office of the Premier and is a result of engagements with the private sector and leading women, who saw a need to empower and develop other women. 'We appreciate the partnership between government and the private sector. This partnership will support our vision of ensuring that women do not remain disenfranchised, but they become active participants in our economy,' Ntuli said. At Friday's launch, the Premier will present the private sector partners who collaborated with government to support women entrepreneurs. The KZNWAF launch will be held at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, under the theme 'Igniting Her Future: A Catalyst for Economic Empowerment." 'Various women entrepreneurs will speak about their business journeys through a panel discussion. About 15 women-owned businesses chosen from across the province will exhibit their products,' Ntuli said. Source: South African Government News Agency