US speaker urges women to compete

By SHIRLEY MAULUDU
THE view that women often have of themselves as just mothers, wives and homemakers has made them to think less of themselves and getting discouraged from venturing into business opportunities.
This was the perception that American speaker Dr dt ogilvie told a two-day workshop this week at the National library in Port Moresby.
She spoke to Papua New Guinean women who were aspiring to engage into business and those already running their own but who planned to expand operations.
Dr Ogilvie spoke on issues confronting women who wanted to venture into some businesses.
She discussed with the participants the “hows” of effective communication techniques in business to help them succeed.
Dr Ogilvie encouraged the women to not to view themselves as just mothers, wives and plain homemakers, but to thrive and compete in the given business opportunities and make a mark for themselves and their families.
The workshop, which concluded on Tuesday, followed a series of workshops that were held recently, sponsored and organised by US Embassy in Port Moresby, under the embassy’s women empowerment speakers’ series programme.
Linda Woha, who also attended the workshop, had moved to Port Moresby from Goroka two years ago after continuous arguments and fights with her husband.
She said she recently joined PNG Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PNGWCCI) and believed that through such workshops, the chamber would teach and help her to set up her own poultry business.
President Avia Koisen said PNGWCCI aimed to give less-fortunate women the idea, chance and expertise to make money for themselves.
“We want to help them get out of poverty and out of being moneyless so that they can become money earning people and that gives them a sense of self-esteem and confidence.
“Having a bit of money in your pocket means everything – independence,” Dr Ogilvie.