Women entrepreneurs who exhibited at the inaugural EmpowerHer Market Trade Fair say the initiative has created direct sales opportunities, new business connections, access to potential buyers and investors.
Held at the Durban Olive Convention Centre on 1 August, the trade fair formed part of a partnership between the government and the private sector aimed at women’s participation in the economy through improved market access for women-owned enterprises.
The initiative, led by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in partnership with Absa, was officially launched by Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga.
This year’s Women’s Month is commemorated under the theme, Empowered Women Empower the Nation, with a focus on expanding economic opportunities and supporting the growth of women-owned businesses.
Breaking down barriers
Speaking at the event, Chikunga said many women entrepreneurs continue to face barriers that limit their ability to start, sustain and grow their enterprises.
These include restricted access to markets, procurement opportunities, finance, investment, business development support, technology, information, networks and supply chains.
She said the EmpowerHer Market Trade Fair was designed to bridge the gap between women-owned businesses and viable markets by bringing entrepreneurs together with buyers, investors, government departments, corporates, financial institutions and enterprise development partners.
“We aim to move beyond showcasing products towards actual commercial transactions, investment, procurement opportunities, business partnerships and long-term market linkages,” said Chikunga.
“This trade fair is not merely an exhibition – it is an economic empowerment and market access intervention. It seeks to unlock business opportunities, investment, enterprise growth, job creation and sustainable economic empowerment.”
From exhibition to business opportunities
Beyond exhibition space, entrepreneurs also participated in business pitch sessions, procurement engagements, funding discussions and business support clinics intended to help small enterprises scale.
For many exhibitors, the impact was immediate.
Among them was Sangoma Diaries founder, Gogo Nomangungu, whose stand featured complementary herbal medicines and organic skincare products.
“By opening this women’s trade fair, we made serious sales today. Our businesses are growing because customers are buying directly from us. I’m very grateful to the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities for creating this opportunity,” she said.
Nomangungu added that platforms connecting entrepreneurs directly with consumers can play an important role in helping small businesses expand and create sustainable income streams.
She also welcomed the opportunity to promote indigenous knowledge systems and locally manufactured products, saying the event highlighted the value of government-supported initiatives in advancing women’s economic empowerment.
The EmpowerHer Market Trade Fair forms part of broader efforts to increase women’s participation in the economy by creating opportunities for women-owned businesses to access new markets, establish partnerships and engage with investors and customers.
As South Africa commemorates Women’s Month, the focus on market access puts the spotlight on the practical challenges facing women-owned businesses
