Photo shows Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson AO delivering his opening remarks during the Macquarie Group Investing in Women RISE Fund Event held at Manila Peninsula last March 1 (Photo from THEPHILBIZNEWS/MAS)
By Monsi A. Serrano
The Australian government revealed that it is infusing capital for women-owned and women-led businesses in the Philippines and has supported 13 MSMEs and keeping more than 1,000 jobs during the pandemic.
Australian ambassador to the Philippines Steven J. Robinson, said during his opening remarks at the Macquarie Group Investing in Women RISE Fund Event, an initiative of the Australian Government said, “This Women’s Month, I pay tribute to women entrepreneurs who breathe life into the economy and continue to drive the country’s economic recovery. Australia is committed to supporting women entrepreneurs and contributing to the resilience of local communities. The Macquarie-Investing in Women RISE Fund has highlighted the central role that women play in economic recovery from COVID-19.”
Robinson also noted how women leaders became agents of positive change in these trying times.
The Philippines is the first country in the region selected for Australia’s P43-million program to help the sector recover from the impact of the pandemic. The women entrepreneurs operate in industries that are traditionally male-dominated such as agriculture, tech and infrastructure, as well as fish and poultry trading.
He also said, “the outstanding performance proves that women’s leadership should become the norm, not an exception, in a post-COVID world.”
Ambassador Robinson also highlighted thaty five of these SMEs worked with over 13,000 farmers, providing market access and stable incomes. Another SME is leveraging technology to make education more accessible, by providing finance to 881 students in the first half of 2021.
