TechInPacific – ExxonMobil PNG Limited grants K166,000 to the Pacific Women Network (PWN) Centre as its support to the local business development and women empowerment. Through the funding, ExxonMobil PNG Limited helps local women entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.
PWN Centre is located in Port Moresby, precisely at the Waigini Steamships Compound. It currently facilitates 45 stalls rented out to local entrepreneurs. Later with the funding from ExxonMobil PNG, several new stalls will be added. Also included in the additional stalls supply is outdoor market provided for the micro level businesses.
During the ceremony at the PWN Centre, ExxonMobil PNG through its Managing Director, Andrew Barry said that the company has always been interested in women’s economic empowerment, thus, this fund meant to support them. The company is sure that women will be able to contribute to the economic change of family, society, and the country, if they’re given financial support to run and develop their businesses.
The ceremony was attended by women trading at the PWN Centre, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade representatives, as well as ExxonMobil PNG staffs.
PWN Centre helps local women entrepreneurs by providing a platform to promote their products and services. Through the platform, they offer their unique styles in fashion and clothing, arts and crafts, health and beauty, as well as PNG cuisine.
The Founder of PWN Centre, Ruth Undi explained that the PWN Centre will continue to drive women economic empowerment and make differences in the lives of women entrepreneurs which currently has 45 members.
Ruth Undi also hopes that PWN Centre will continue to give many more women and girls the same opportunity by adding more stalls. The more stalls to build, the more women and girls to get the opportunity to grow their businesses.