Celebrating Cultural Day and Women’s Empowerment at the Durban Chamber
During the World Chambers Congress, the Durban Chamber CEO, Ms Dumile Cele signed a partnership with the Women Mean Business ACCI/IORA initiative which is aimed at supporting women’s economic empowerment across the Indian Ocean Rim. The Durban Chamber hosted Dr Imogen Reid, currently working as a Senior Advisor for the Trade and International Affairs unit. The unit focuses on:
- The G20/B20 process
- Trade facilitation
- Providing support to the International Chamber of Commerce Australia
We were honoured to have Cllr Nomvuzo Shabalala, the Deputy Mayor of eThekwini present at the celebrations. The day started with Indian dancing by Kumarie Divya Naidoo and African dancing by Khosi, Xolile, Luyanda, Silindile, Nonzuzo, Ningi, Nqobile and Smangele .
Dr Reid was the key note speaker at the event and spoke about ‘’To enhance and support Woman’s Economic Empowerment across the Indian Ocean Rim region’’. Imogen is a passionate advocate for women’s economic empowerment. During Australia’s hosting of the B20/G20 submits, Imogen, through her role at ACCI worked to ensure women’s empowerment, gender equity and female participation. She ensured these issues were visible and embedded into the formal B20/G20 agenda. In June 2014 Imogen led and co-ordinated the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEP) event. This event coincided with the B20 proceedings and was attended by over 170 high level international delegates. She was also instrumental in ACCI signing onto the United Nation’s WEP’s CEO Statement of Support.
Imogen is currently leading the ACCI’s Women Mean Business initiative, backed by the Australian federal government. The initiative is designed to enhance and support women’s economic empowerment across the Indian Ocean Rim region.
If you would like more information about the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Woman in Business Forum, please contact Bharriey Pillay on 031 335 1000 or email pillayb@durbanchamber.co.za.