The inaugural edition of the Women Entrepreneur Awards is being held in Mauritius this year, which seeks to celebrate the achievements of women entrepreneurs across the island who are making a real impact in the Mauritian economy and in their local communities. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 31 May and participation is free of charge.
In an exclusive interview, Platform Africa talked to Kirti Sheonarain, co-founder of the Women Entrepreneur Awards, to hear why the Awards have been created, who they are for and why women entrepreneurs on the island should apply.
How did you come up with the idea for the Women Entrepreneur Awards?
As a female entrepreneur myself, this is something I would have liked to have. Most of the time events related to women only put forward women if they are in a specific field. It was high time to create one platform that celebrated all women all together.
After the success of 12 Parkours Fam Morisienn – it was obvious that women needed to create a bigger platform to showcase our women entrepreneurs. Our women entrepreneurs deserve to be celebrated for their achievements regardless of their line and size of business.
As a founder of the Women Entrepreneur Awards, who are these awards for?
Women who can participate are either women who are 100% shareholders of their businesses or women who co-own businesses but they either must have 50% of the shares or own the majority of shares in their businesses.
Can you tell us about the categories in the Women Entrepreneur Awards?
We have put the most innovative, sustainable, and impactful to really showcase how these women contribute in their own way to the Mauritian economy.
Why do you think Women Entrepreneurs in Mauritius should be celebrated?
I think our women already do a lot of work and, in comparison to the opposite gender, the recognition that women receive is in a way that she has done what was expected of her.
Secondly, I think it is time for women to realise the input that they have. I recently called a friend who is a solopreneur to invite her to participate and she mentioned that she doesn’t see how she would fit it. This woman had the ability to book 100+ rooms in a hotel, hire a dozen local entrepreneurs to work, helping the tourism and hospitality sector but she is unable to see her capacity. And I think many other women undervalue themselves.
Women are doing so many magical things that need to be seen and heard. We created this award to encourage women to step out and support their entrepreneurship as it is already challenging for women to step out in the marketplace.
The deadline for applications for the awards is Wednesday 31 May. Why should women entrepreneurs in Mauritius apply?
1. Women Entrepreneur Awards is a unique platform that has been created and participation is FREE.
2. We have a great panel of jury who are leaders in their fields, seasoned entrepreneurs with a proven track record, with open hearts and a helping hand. They are staunch supporters of our mission and share similar values to us.
3. We have our Ambassadors who bring value to our project through the skills, knowledge and experiences through their different experiences they have achieved throughout their own entrepreneurial journey.
4. We have a series of FREE workshops aligned for empower our participants.
5. Our Women Entrepreneur Awards community is the ecosystem every women entrepreneur needs to have. Our networking events will be held to understand and assist our women-led businesses.
The deadline for applications for the Women Entrepreneur Awards is Wednesday 31 May.
Applications are to be made online here:
