Senapati, October 11: A capacity-building programme aimed at empowering women from the local indigenous community with entrepreneurial skills was successfully held at Naga Taphou today. The event featured resource persons RK Paul Chawang, Founder and President of AMYAA NGO, and Kibambe Felix, Vice President of Senapati Entrepreneurs Association.
The programme was organised by Grassroot NGO, Shillong, with support from FIMI (International Indigenous Women’s Forum), in collaboration with AMYAA NGO as technical partner. The mobilisation of 51 women from different Self-Help Groups (SHGs) was facilitated by the Manipur State Rural Livelihood Mission (MSRLM). The event was moderated by Saveinei Paomai, AMYAA Project Led.
In his address, RK Paul Chawang, highlighted the pivotal role of women in society. “Women are the pillars of our community. You have the power to nurture and educate future generations. Your sensibility and responsibility are key to building a strong and prosperous society,” he said. He emphasised that women are naturally gifted with multitasking abilities, emotional intelligence, and a caring nature, making them ideal entrepreneurs. He encouraged them to have faith in themselves and strive for excellence, adding, “Remember, every small step you take today will lead to a giant leap towards a brighter tomorrow.”
Kibambe Felix addressed the participants on entrepreneurship, describing it as “the process of envisioning, innovating, and executing ideas that drive economic growth, create value, and solve real-world problems, often through risk-taking and perseverance. It’s about transforming vision into reality and making a meaningful impact.” He distinguished entrepreneurship from employment and retailing, sharing personal experiences of starting and running a business. Felix stressed the importance of understanding the local environment and market demand, conducting thorough market surveys, validating business ideas, identifying suitable locations, and maintaining financial discipline. He also emphasised the need to uphold ethics and principles in business.
Felix further added that entrepreneurship demands hard work, resilience, and adaptability, cautioning that it is suited only for those willing to persevere. The programme left participants feeling motivated and empowered, equipped with knowledge and insights to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations.
In a panel interactive session, participants from different SHGs shared the activities undertaken by their respective groups, highlighting their achievements and challenges, and fostering peer learning and collaboration among the women.
The event concluded with participants expressing renewed confidence to pursue entrepreneurial ventures, contributing to the empowerment of indigenous women and the socio-economic development of the region.
(By Staff Reporter)
