As part of the annual Women Entrepreneur Awards (WEA), the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) will honor top-performing women in the Sarah Baartman and Amathole districts who have significantly contributed to economic development and job creation in the agricultural sector.

The objective of these awards is to empower and recognize women in agriculture and agro-processing sectors, acknowledging their vital contributions. The awards serve as an instrument to highlight the pivotal role women play in combating poverty, hunger, and joblessness, thereby increasing their participation and visibility in the sector.

The primary focus of the program is to emphasize the crucial role that women play in food security, job creation, economic growth, and poverty alleviation. The initiative aims to elevate women entrepreneurs from subsistence and smallholder producers to commercial and processing entrepreneurs, with aspirations to enter export markets.

This program aligns with the objectives of the Women Empowerment Strategy (WES), which promotes inclusive development for women in the agricultural, land reform, and rural development sectors. By doing so, it ensures that women can contribute their full potential towards building a better life for all. The strategy advocates prioritizing women in various agricultural and land reform programs, providing direction for sound and coherent empowerment interventions.

District winners will compete with other women from across the province, with provincial winners advancing to compete for top honors at the national level against women from other provinces.

The DRDAR’s commitment to recognizing and empowering women in agriculture not only fosters individual growth but also supports broader economic and social development goals.