Empowering Women Entrepreneurs to Overcome Business Challenges

Women Entrepreneurs Encouraged to Assess Their Challenges Without Shame
Dar es Salaam, March 7, 2025

In a recent workshop organized by the Gender Network (TGNP) in collaboration with Stanbic Bank, women entrepreneurs were urged to self-reflect on the challenges they face in business, without any sense of shame. Asha Sinare, a human resources expert and one of the facilitators of the event, emphasized several key issues that hinder business growth, including poor time management, making more promises than can be kept, a lack of trust when it comes to securing loans, and improper financial management.

Sinare stressed the importance of self-awareness, urging women entrepreneurs to acknowledge their weaknesses and adopt strategies for improvement. “To succeed in business, it is essential to recognize what you lack, so you can improve yourself. Without that recognition, you will move from one business to another without achieving success,” she said.

Catherine Kasimbazi, the Head of Research and Analysis Programs at TGNP, highlighted the goal of the event: empowering women from knowledge hubs with the skills and information needed to advance their entrepreneurial ventures. She emphasized that, in line with Stanbic Bank’s focus on supporting women economically, it was crucial for them to expand their business perspectives beyond simply making ends meet.

Stanbic Bank’s Business Development Officer, Kai Mollel, explained that the bank’s initiative for Women’s Day aimed to create a platform for meaningful discussions about the growth of women entrepreneurs, emphasizing leadership, ownership, and business innovation. "Our goal is to nurture entrepreneurs who not only grow their businesses but also uplift their communities by creating jobs and fostering economic empowerment," Mollel said.

Despite the progress, Mollel noted that several challenges still impede women in business. These include a lack of skills, difficulties in accessing markets, limited capital, and a tendency for women to operate in isolation rather than collaborating with others.

One participant, Meshy Moses from Gongo la Mboto, expressed the value of the training, stating that mental well-being is crucial for business success. “This workshop taught us that business requires a strong mental foundation, and having someone to guide you through the process will help us grow, especially when we face obstacles,” she remarked.

Dynes Elisa from Saranga Ward shared her takeaway from the event, advising fellow entrepreneurs to avoid rushing into business ventures. “Many people fail because they rush into business without proper planning. They do not track their expenses or income, and as a result, they end up failing halfway,” she said.