By Kamundia Muriithi
ABSA Business Banking Director, Elizabethe Wasunna speaks at a forum for Women in Business held in an Embu town hotel recently. Photo Kamundia Muriithi
Businesses run by women in Embu County will receive a boost through an initiative by the Absa Bank, the County Government of Embu, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inter- county Mentorship forums.
The initiative will target women in business and sensitize them to tap the opportunities offered by the government and private financial institutions to boost their businesses.
ABSA Business Banking Director, Elizabeth Wasunna said ABSA Bank is facilitating women to access credit facilities.
She added that the bank is also providing necessary information and education on how to do business.
Wasunna said they are demystifying bank terminologies that scare away women from approaching banks for credit facilities.
“We are also advising women on how to restart closed businesses as well as how to save better in future,” she said during a forum at Izaak Walton Hotel.
Embu County Government Executive Member in charge of Trade Dr. Joan Mwende said many women businesses in the county were adversely affected by the corona pandemic.
“In Embu we have laid down strategies that will help revive and sustain businesses, through waiving business licenses among other interventions. The waiver of licenses seeks to revive many businesses and also cushion others against collapsing,” she said.
Dr Mwende, however, noted that many women are shying away from taking loans to expand their businesses for fear of the mode of repayment.
She called on other investors in Embu to take the initiative of helping the women in the county to boost their businesses, adding that women businesses promote the entire society.
Our Lady Of Lourdes Mwea Hospital Director Sister Josephine Ndege who is one of the beneficiaries of the program said women play a key role in job creation and economic growth hence need to be supported.
