Secretary of State for Industry and Co-operatives Filipus “Nino” Pereira says women make up the larger proportion of those involved in co-operatives and small businesses as they have better management skills than their male counterparts.
“The data we have shows that most co-operative activities are carried out by women’s groups,” he said.
Nino said about half of all family-run businesses were headed by women.
He said the 2014 state budget allocated $3 million to support the activities of co-operatives and small businesses.
Nino said secretariat data showed that from 2013 to 2014, 269 co-operatives and small businesses received government support. A further 147 groups have registered for support and are awaiting approval.
“We have looked at the report they submitted to the National Directorate of Micro Co-operatives and we see that their activities are ongoing and we will continue to support them,” he said.
Businesses supported by the government include those involved in horticulture and fishery as well as hospitality.
Com Women’s Co-operative representative Sonia said her group had no outlet to sell their wares.
“We have no place to display our goods to entice tourists to buy them,” she said.
She called on the government and the State Secretariat for Industry and Co-operatives (SEIK) to support small business owners through the provision of financial management and production quality training.
Sonia said SEIK should establish a place for producers to exhibit their creations.
