Workers’ Union to celebrate women’s resilience through the pandemic by hosting a Female Business Expo on March 8

In recognition of International Women’s Day this year, the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) will be hosting a Female Business Expo, targeting women entrepreneurs across the country.

The event is set for Tuesday, March 8, at the Union’s Newgate Street headquarters and will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The organizers say that various categories of local products and services – such as craft, clothing and textiles, cosmetology, design and technology – will be on display, and businesswomen will have an opportunity to reach dozens of new customers.

Hazel Luke, the Union’s Industrial Relations and Training Officer, says “the event was conceived to highlight the resilience of women throughout the pandemic.”

While many women were put on the breadline, having lost their jobs, a considerable number of them have ventured into small-business operations as a means of making a living.

Accordingly, Luke says the Workers Union is pleased to support those who have transitioned into entrepreneurship, given that women are amongst the most vulnerable groups and are impacted more severely by economic shocks.

“However … women, whenever they are empowered – through the removal of gender biases – can make tremendous economic contributions,” Luke says.

A mini health fair is also scheduled to form part of the event, and presentations on women’s and family health will be made by medical practitioners.

International Women’s Day is an annual event that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.  The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

The theme for this year’s observance is “#BreakTheBias.”