British high commissioner visits women entrepreneurs |25 March 2013

The high commissioner was welcomed by Waso director Rosemary Elisabeth who expressed her appreciation towards the high commission for taking an interest in the work being done by the NGO. Mrs Skoll also met other members of staff.

The visit provided Waso the opportunity to brief the high commissioner on three of their main projects namely:
• Business Incubator, which involves training individuals on how to start their own business 
• Time Bank, which allows skilled individuals to share their ideas and experiences within a network
• Empowerment Helpline, which provides support for women in form of empowerment and counselling for those facing gender-based violence.

Mrs Elisabeth and her team shared that since the launch of the helpline, four cases of domestic violence have been registered through the facility.

Other calls totalling to 25 were from women seeking information on how to set up small businesses.

It was confirmed that eight trained operators work with Waso to handle calls on the helpline.

Waso is intensifying its public private partnership and is working actively with the Ministry of Community Development, the various district administration offices and the Seychelles’ Small Enterprises Promotion Agency (Senpa).

Following the meeting, the British high commissioner met women doing craft work and was presented with a hand painted glass bearing English roses.