WEAT conference bats for entrepreneurial ventures among women, youth

Emerging job and business opportunities for women and youth were the highlight of the 19th annual national seminar organised by Women Entrepreneurs Association of Tamil Nadu (WEAT), in collaboration with Women’s Studies Centre and Department of History of Holy Cross College in the city on Monday.

In her inaugural address, N. Manimekalai, director, Centre for Women’s Development Studies, New Delhi, and founder of WEAT, emphasised the need for women to pursue self-employment, which ensures flexible hours of work, and gives an opportunity to generate jobs. “In future, entrepreneurship among students will show the way to economic and social development. It is important to improve economic and educational participation among women, which will contribute to overall development and utilisation of human resources.” she said.

The theme of two-day seminar is “Entrepreneurship promotion among women and youth: emerging opportunities and prospects” and the sessions saw the participation of a number of guest speakers from various sectors.

Saravanan, assistant director, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Institute (MSME-DI), regional branch, Madurai, in his keynote address, spoke about the various women-centric government schemes aimed at facilitating profitable businesses. Explaining the government’s policies related to procurement and marketing support, Mr. Saravanan encouraged women to opt for entrepreneurship.

Women entrepreneurs K. Anandhi, A. Lourdhu Mary, A. Sirumalar, Parimala Ganesan, and S. Nagalakshmi were honoured. S. Kesilta, fish and dry fish value-added products, from Ramanathapuram, will receive her award on Tuesday.

College principal Sr Isabella Rajakumari spoke.