THE Solomon Islands Women in Business Association (SIWIBA) received its first official handover of support from the Pan Oceanic Bank (POB) to support their upcoming 2017 Solomon Islands Women in Business Awards.
The event is earmarked to take place Saturday December 9, 2017, at the Coral Sea Resort & Casino and will be the second since its launch last year.
POB Chief Executive Officer, Mr Suresh Amerasekera officially handed over their support as Gold Sponsor to the SIWIBA Awards Committee Chairlady and Board Vice President, Mrs Julie Gegeu Haro.
The handover took place last week Wednesday at the POB Office that was witnessed by POB staff.
Speaking at the handover, Amerasekera highlighted on the vast contribution by the Solomon Islands women to the economy of the country.
“It is very appropriate to acknowledge SIWIBA who give leadership to recognise women in business in the country and their contribution to the economy.”
“While congratulating SIWIBA on their initiative to recognise women in business through their annual awards event, we hope this recognition will motivate many more women in their business ventures,” Amerasekera said.
He adds that POB is happy to join in the upcoming awards for women in business as a measure to empower women in the country.
In response, Haro expressed gratitude to POB for their positive response to partner with SIWIBA in support of the awards event.
She highlighted that 20 percent of the proceeds will be for the initial set up of the revolving fund for SIWIBA informal sector members.
“These are members who cannot access the financial institutions due to collateral and the requirement for the growth of their businesses or a new creation of a new business set up,” she said.
Haro adds that the 2017 Solomon Islands Women in Business Awards will be officially launched this evening for sponsors and potential sponsors who would like to support a great cause for the local business women and their families.
SIWIBA acknowledge their main funder, DFAT for their continuous support towards its programmes and activities.
–SIWIBA PRESS
