Thousands of women trained through ‘WIIN’ programme, expansion planned for 2024

More than 11,000 women benefited from training programmes through the Women Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN), Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud said on Wednesday.

Through this programme, the women are able to access training in a number of fields and are then supported in entrepreneurial and employment ventures.

During an engagement with the Department of Public Information on Wednesday, Dr. Persaud said this programme will be expanded even further in 2024 so that more women can learn care-giving and culinary skills.

“The intention is financial independence.

“It was an idea to give women an opportunity to empower themselves,” Dr. Persaud said.

And she highlighted that the WIIN programme has far surpassed its initial targets and goals. Last year, 1,400 persons- the largest ever group of graduates– received certification after completing their WIIN training.

These ladies and a handful of men completed training across nine courses including Child Care, Care for the Elderly, Graphic Design, Patient Care, Garment Construction, Television and Video Production, Microsoft Office Suite, Home Management and Administrative Assistance.

Aside from training, women also get access to business support and other opportunities. Minister Persaud also said she is encouraging women to form consortia and venture into new profitable ventures, such as starting their own day or night care facilities.

There is also the WIIN app that connects vendors with consumers in an easy and simple way. Dr. Persaud has been advocating that women take advantage of the tools provided through technology and said that the ministry has partnered with Mobile Money Guyana (MMG), the electronic wallet app, to conduct transactions.