The Erongo Governor, Natalia |Goagoses has launched a pilot project set to help 18 women-owned small businesses grow and create jobs in Swakopmund.

From handcrafted traditional products to beauty services and tailoring, the women showcased their products.

Among them, 10 have not yet registered their businesses due to a lack of information and finances.

The governor announced that she will provide financial assistance to ensure that the 10 women register their businesses and sell their products legally.

"I am going to work with you for the term of my office, and we are going to grow together. Through you, other women who might have lost hope must be inspired. Through you, your children, our children that are indulging themselves in drugs must come and work for you. Through you, my team, when we do these things right, I will grow you, because we are rich."

The governor urged the women who have already registered their businesses to share the challenges they face so that her office can provide the support needed to help them expand and employ more people.

The governor added that women who are 45 years old and younger will receive assistance in applying to the National Youth Development Fund, which offers low-interest financing without requiring collateral.

"These products cannot stay in our homes. They need to be put on the market. They need to be sold. They need to increase. These products must go out. Tourists are coming, but we can also take them out to other markets, international markets, and the Ongwediva Trade Fair. These are very special, unique products that can only be made in our Erongo region."

The women, who welcomed the support, urged their peers to join forces and seek assistance so that they can create competitive businesses.

"Bring your concept and then our mother will see how to meet us halfway so she can source support for us," stated Daphne Nashilundo, leader of the women's delegation, alongside business partner Roelin Jooster of Dantago Women.

"The best part is I can also open my own business now with the help of the governor, and they will train more ladies."

"When we started with Dantago in the DRC, our business grew, and we registered our business. Even last year we were part of the president's trip to the US because we engage every time," recalled Katrina Garises, founder of Dantago Women.

"We must help each other. There is a saying that goes like this: When a woman is educated, then the community is educated," stressed Assertha Marsh, owner of El-roi Massage Parlour.

The women have been given up to two weeks to submit their registration documents and funding applications.