Washington, DC – In an effort to increase opportunity for women in Papua New Guinea (PNG), the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) has launched the PNG Women’s Business Resource Centre (WBRC), a first-of-its-kind institution in that country. The WBRC provides women from all backgrounds access to information and training on financial literacy and entrepreneurship, and help with navigating PNG’s business landscape.
“We couldn’t be more excited to lead this initiative, because it is vitally important to Papua New Guinea,” said Eli Webb, CIPE Country Coordinator for Papua New Guinea. “Stronger women mean stronger families, which means a stronger PNG.”
Women in PNG face daunting legal and cultural challenges to engaging in commerce. At the WBRC, women will have access to services and support that will help level the economic playing field to enable them succeed in business. The center will host a mentorship program, networking opportunities, and regular guest speakers.
CIPE Managing Director Andrew Wilson lauded the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Global Women’s Issues and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs of Trade for their leadership in the initiative, “Women in Papua New Guinea have tremendous reserves of talent and initiative. By supporting this program, the Australian and U.S. governments are demonstrating their commitment to PNG women and to helping them improve their lives and empower their communities.”
The Center is a part of a joint initiative supported by the Australian and U.S. governments. United States Ambassador Catherine Russell, head of the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Global Women’s Issues, and Natasha Scott-Despoja, Australian Ambassador for Women and Girls attended the center launch in Port Moresby. The Australian-U.S. initiative also includes establishment of the Papua New Guinea Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PNGWCCI) and a partnership with the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan to develop entrepreneurship curriculum to be offered in local PNG universities.
For more information on the WBRC, visit Facebook at: www.facebook.com/pngwbrc.
The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) is the international affiliate of the United States Chamber of Commerce, CIPE is a global leader in women’s economic empowerment programs, among other topics, and operates in more than 50 countries around the world.
Published Date: November 21, 2016