More women urged to enter WIBA Awards

OAITSE MATHALA

Women have been urged to register for the second edition of the annual Women in Business Association (WIBA) Awards to be held on the 26th August at TraveLodge in Gaborone. Speaking at the launch of the Awards last week, WIBA President, Tumi Mbaakanyi said they want majority of businesswomen From around the country to partake.
“We want to see these awards elevating the winners to the next level. Registration forms are free and we want majority of women around the country to take part.” Entry forms will be availed on the WIBA website, at WIBA offices and all Department of Gender Affairs offices throughout the country,” she recently said.
To be eligible for the Awards, one has to be a businesswoman with a minimum of 51% shareholding of their company. WIBA has indicated that it is exploring distribution partners to ensure maximum outreach in as far as participation is concerned.
Mbaakanyi said that a lot of stakeholders have come on board this year, from partners to sponsors, noting that most of last year’s sponsors have been retained. “This year, the magnitude and scope of the awards is up another notch, with more pledges pouring in,” the Association said.
Women-led businesses will compete under six categories with the overall Business Woman of the Year walking home with P50, 000. The six categories are; Young Entrepreneur Award, Innovation Award, Male Dominate Industry Award, Female Collaboration Award, Social Entrepreneur Award and the Informal Sector Award.
WIBA said it added the Male Dominated Industry Award this year to celebrate women making a mark in areas previously dominated by their  male counterparts like construction, mining, architecture and engineering, among others. “Winners will be chosen from entries across the country and these are businesses deemed to have made significant strides in various business aspects throughout the year,” it said.