9th June 2021.
The partnership between Agriculture Sector Development Support Program (ASDSP II) and SAUTI EAST AFRICA noticed a serious gap that has in a long time derailed the thriving of women in trade. This necessitated the planning of 1 week training of 75 women traders and producers drawn across Siaya County on access to information through digital platforms. This training will empower women to handle trade legally, safely and profitably through ease access to trade and market information. The information will be accessible through through *716# and on whatsAPP number (+254 202893576) free of charge. The services will also ensure availability of daily market prices, COVID-19 information, Exchange rates, reports on border experiences and weather forecasts.
In her opening remarks at the County Head Quarters, Dr. Elizabeth Odhiambo, the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Food, Irrigation, Livestock and Fisheries appreciated the collaborative efforts between Agriculture Sector Development Support Program (ASDSP II) and SAUTI EAST AFRICA and called upon women to stand out and adopt Agribusiness Ventures because its through self-reliance that they cease to be agents of discrimination.
According to Sylvia Munai, Junior Project Manager at SAUTI, the information will enable the women to source goods at the cheapest prices, sell at the highest price, create room for negotiations and find new markets to help them expand their ventures. “Using technology to empower women – led businesses has ripple effects that can help create a lasting change for households, communities and market systems. That’s why SAUTI and ASDSP II put women as traders, producers and customers at the centre”, she added.
The 75 women are expected to be change agents to many women who are either in business or are yet to establish such ventures and provide sustainable solutions to small and medium enterprises in addressing digital information gaps.
