Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
SHAH ALAM, Aug 29 — Selangor has launched the Women’s Economic Development Fund (DEW) to enhance the competitiveness of handicraft entrepreneurs.
State executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Shari said the programme, designed in collaboration with Wanita Berdaya Selangor (WBS) Sdn Bhd and Khadijah International Waqf (L) Foundation, or KIWF, will provide guidance to improve product quality and marketing strategies.
Anfaal said the programme also includes mentoring sessions for mentees, digital sales initiatives, business network expansion, and opportunities for physical sales at the Khadijah Artisans Gallery in Merdeka 118.
“We hope this joint venture will yield positive results and provide more opportunities for women in the state to generate income, thereby advancing the handicraft industry in Selangor.
“The state government is committed to developing Selangor’s handicraft industry and expanding its market potential both domestically and internationally,” she said after WBS and KIWF signed a memorandum of understanding on DEW.
[caption id="attachment_370328" align="aligncenter" width="1008"]
State executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Shari speaks at the launch of the Women’s Economic Development Fund at the State Secretariat Building, Shah Alam, on August 29, 2024. — Picture by REMY ARIFIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Meanwhile, KIWF chairman Rohani Mohd Shahir said DEW includes a seven-month mentoring initiative, for which the top 10 entrepreneurs across Selangor from the Empowered Women’s Center (PWB) will be selected.
“We have a screening stage, including a pitching programme, to assess the potential of entrepreneurs who will be trained, which will consider various factors such as the market potential of their products.
“After completing the seven-month mentorship programme, selected entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to receive a grant to elevate their products to the next level,” she said.
The programme, backed by funding from several banking institutions, builds upon and enhances existing empowerment initiatives through Pusat Wanita Berdaya, which demonstrates the state government’s commitment to uplifting women’s economic status.
