Women Entrepreneur Awards 2024 Launched: Celebrating Trailblazers in Business

The second edition of the Women Entrepreneur Awards (WEA) was officially launched on July 27th at the House of Digital Art in Port Louis. This year’s theme, “Celebrating our Trailblazers,” highlighted the achievements of women in business and aimed to bring together applicants, sponsors, partners, and key stakeholders from the entrepreneurial community.

The launch event, attended by prominent figures in the Mauritian business landscape, was graced by Chief Guest Naila Hanoomanjee, CEO of Landscope Mauritius.

In her address, Hanoomanjee shared her career journey in real estate, an industry where she initially faced skepticism, particularly as a woman.

She called on business leaders to actively support women entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need to challenge societal norms that hinder their progress.

“Entrepreneurship is not for the fainthearted, but women, as primary caregivers, face additional hurdles,” Hanoomanjee stated.

She referenced the 2023 Global Gender Gaps Index, which suggests it may take 169 years to close the economic participation and gender opportunity gap if current trends continue.

The WEA aiming to recognize and encourage women entrepreneurs whose contributions significantly impact Mauritius’s economy.

Kirti Sheonarain, Founder and Event Manager, explained that the awards align with the United Nations theme “Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress.”

She announced that in August, workshops on financial and digital literacy will be held, free of charge for participants, hosted by Bank One and Emtel.

Additionally, Ennoia, in collaboration with psychologist Sanjana Gobin, will conduct workshops focused on physical and mental wellness.

The shortlisted candidates for the awards will be announced on September 9, with the finals set to take place on October 19, 2024.

Karen Yvon, Managing Director of the House of Digital Art, expressed her pride in hosting the event, noting the shared passion for culture and innovation among women entrepreneurs.

She emphasized the importance of cultivating that passion as they navigate their journeys.

Jean-Luc Manneback, a partner in the event and Head of Impact Production Group, highlighted that women make up 43% of business creators globally.

He stressed the importance of supporting women’s entrepreneurship to foster societal transformation and recognition of their unique contributions.

Sendy Thoplan, Head of SME and Business Banking at Bank One, reinforced the bank’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs.

“We believe in the power and potential of women,” he stated, pledging mentorship, training, and resources to help candidates enhance their skills and business acumen.

He emphasized the significance of the SME sector, which comprises 127,000 businesses that contribute 40% of the country’s GDP and employ 54% of the workforce.

The event also featured a panel discussion comprising male representatives from various sponsoring organizations, aimed at addressing the barriers women entrepreneurs face.

Moderated by Marie-Noëlle Elissac Foy, Head Ambassador of WEA and Founder of the Talent Factory, the panelists spoke candidly about ongoing challenges and the urgent need to foster women’s rightful place in the business realm.

The awards’ final ceremony, scheduled for October 2024, will provide a platform for networking among successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, and government officials, facilitating valuable exchanges of insights and experiences.

The judging panel for this year included distinguished entrepreneurs and business leaders, ensuring a fair evaluation of the candidates’ achievements.

The Women Entrepreneur Awards team is optimistic about this year’s edition and looks forward to celebrating the resilience and impact of women entrepreneurs across various sectors in Mauritius.

As the initiative gains momentum, the WEA continues to empower women to embrace their potential and tackle the challenges ahead.

For further information about the Women Entrepreneur Awards, reach out to:

Corinne Robert
Mobile: 57 25 79 98
Email: corinne@akhezaconsulting.com