The Women Entrepreneurs Network Nagaland (WENN) has announced the third edition of its annual WENN Bazaar, set to take place from October 11 to 13 at CT Square, Chümoukedima. During a press meet on October 5, the organizers highlighted the event’s objectives, aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in Nagaland by providing a platform to showcase their products and build sustainable business networks. Tokugha Achumi, Director of Industries and Commerce, will attend as the special guest.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
Alemjungla Jamir, chairperson of WENN, explained the network’s purpose, describing it as a non-profit organisation established by like-minded women entrepreneurs. According to her, WENN was conceptualized in 2022 with the goal of fostering collaboration among women entrepreneurs within the state and beyond. “Our vision is to network and collaborate with entrepreneurs from Nagaland and outside the state,” she said.
Jamir emphasized the organisation’s focus on capacitating women entrepreneurs through training, information sharing, and policy advocacy. “We aim to empower women entrepreneurs by providing training, information sharing, and platforms for them to grow their businesses,” she said, adding that WENN also seeks to influence decision-making bodies in Nagaland to ensure women entrepreneurs are included in policymaking processes.
The WENN Bazaar was conceived in response to the lack of platforms for women entrepreneurs in the state. “Many entrepreneurs have great products, but they don’t have a platform, a brand, or a shop to sell their products. The concept of the WENN Bazaar was born to create that platform for them,” Jamir explained.
Workshops and Networking Opportunities
Besides serving as a marketplace, the WENN Bazaar will offer learning opportunities for women entrepreneurs and participants. Executive Secretary Nengneithem Hengna noted that the event will feature several workshops aimed at knowledge exchange and business skill enhancement. “The WENN Bazaar is not just a marketplace for selling products but also a learning space where entrepreneurs and participants can gain knowledge through the various workshops we have planned,” she said.
Hengna further highlighted the bazaar’s broader objectives, stating that it is designed to empower women entrepreneurs by promoting financial literacy and strengthening business networks. “The goal of the WENN Bazaar is to create a sustainable network space for women entrepreneurs and achieve social, community, and economic outcomes,” she added.
Increased Participation and Product Range
This year’s WENN Bazaar is expected to be significantly larger than previous editions. Kewengule Therie, WENN’s finance head, revealed that the network plans to double the size of the event compared to last year. In 2023, the bazaar featured 47 women entrepreneurs and six financial institutions. This year, over 80 women entrepreneurs are set to participate, showcasing a wide range of products, including handicrafts, handloom items, agri-products, food items, and other locally produced goods.
Therie also noted that WENN has grown to include around 800 members across Nagaland’s 13 districts.
Focus on Digital Marketing
In addition to providing a platform for physical sales, WENN has placed a strong emphasis on training its members in digital marketing, recognizing the importance of an online presence for modern businesses.
Women-owned and women-led businesses with 51% shareholding registered in Nagaland are eligible to participate in the bazaar.
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