As we reflect on the passing of another ‘Women’s Month’, women’s role in the sphere of business may be worthy of some discussion…  The case for giving woman owned businesses a greater slice of the economic pie goes beyond issues of gender equality and other populist notions. The reality is that women business owners generally bring a different skill set to the management of their enterprises that often results in their early success, growth and sustainability. These include empathy, a more innovative problem- solving approach, the ability to stretch their limited capital resources and novel negotiating tactics. But lest established (male owned) let their guards down in competing with them, the velvet glove often encloses sharp claws that are readily drawn if needed...  The emergence of women owned enterprises (WOEs) as a catalytic force to enhance transformation and accelerate growth in local economies cannot be ignored with any ease. The adage that ‘behind every successful man is a woman’ is being pushed aside; increasingly women are emerging from the shadow of a husband/CEO/HOD to take the lead confidently and
competently.  Chambers are well placed to support and amplify this trend to the benefit of their local economies by:

• Explicitly including the promotion and support of WOEs in their broader economic transformation goals
• Fostering and forging partnerships with stakeholders   that provide support and    funding
• Actively promote the breakdown of barriers between   ‘established business interest’  and WOEs
• Sourcing and sharing information that can benefit this   sector
• Diversifying their membership   base by targeting WOEs
• Encourage participation by WOEs in chamber structures
• Establishing linkages with businesswoman’s organisations Similarly, local and district municipalities can, and should contribute by: • Ensuring their procurement   policies and SCM processes  actively encourage and promote  the participation of WOEs
• Building strong relationships   with provincial and national departments that focus on   women’s issues to leverage   funding and support    opportunities • Developing business support incentives that favour  and encourage WOEs It must be acknowledged that some laudable initiatives are emerging to underpin and support this emerging trend. I was privileged to attend the graduation ceremony of SEDA’s Woman Enterprise Coaching Programme (WECP) in the Ugu District recently. This was an intensive 10 module business development course that covered all areas of business management. Some startling statistics were shared with us about the achievements of the programme in this, and other districts, and we look forward to the replication of those success stories in our region