LocationsEmpowering Change: Entrepreneurship Training Transforms Lives of ITP Women in Suriname
November 18, 2024
In the heart of Paramaribo, Suriname, the Asewa Otono Centre became a hub of inspiration and transformation from 11 to 16 November, as 21 Indigenous and Tribal Peoples (ITP) women gathered for a life-changing entrepreneurship training. This training, conducted by the Stichting Productieve Werk Eenheden (SPWE) under the project Improving the Socioeconomic Situation of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples (ITPs) Women through Skills Training and Micro-Entrepreneurship Development, provided participants with vital tools to build resilient livelihoods and foster economic independence.
The training brought together women from diverse villages, each with unique backgrounds and aspirations but united in their desire to create a better future for themselves and their communities. Supported by the New Zealand High Commission Fund and UNDP, the initiative reflects a shared belief in the transformative power of economic empowerment to foster fairer resource distribution and create opportunities for historically marginalized groups.
Suriname’s Indigenous and Tribal women bore the brunt of the socioeconomic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, facing intensified poverty and unemployment. This project aims to reverse these inequalities by equipping women with the skills to thrive as entrepreneurs. Through partnerships with VIDS (Association of Indigenous Village Leaders in Suriname) and KAMPOS (Collaboration of Tribal Peoples in Suriname consisting of Kwinti, Aluku, Matawai, Paamaka, Okanisi and Saamaka), the training fosters resilience, inclusivity, and long-term sustainable development.
Grace Watamaleo, trainee Entrepreneurship Training Transforms Lives of ITP Women in Suriname
For 51-year-old Grace Watamaleo, the training was more than a professional opportunity—it was a step toward strengthening her role as a leader. A village chief from Marijkedorp in East Suriname, Grace has long encouraged women in her community to embrace self-sufficiency through initiatives such as agriculture, which she believes could support the district’s evolving needs, including a hospital and a multinational gold company.
This training has deepened my knowledge of entrepreneurship and introduced me to the concept of cooperatives,” Grace shared. “I see the potential for these lessons to transform how we approach collective business opportunities. However, I hope we’ll have follow-up training and guidance to delve deeper into areas like business plan development and budgeting. Starter packages as incentives would be a great support too.
Suzanne Samuels,trainee Entrepreneurship Training Transforms Lives of ITP Women in Suriname
Suzanne Samuels, a 31-year-old public servant from Washabo village in West Suriname, brought her entrepreneurial dreams to the table. A budding entrepreneur, Suzanne recently started a BBQ stand alongside her father and plans to expand into pastry-making. Her active involvement in youth and community initiatives as the secretary of her local football organization underscores her commitment to making a difference.
“This training has been incredibly useful,” Suzanne said. “It gave me the confidence and knowledge to improve my BBQ business and start my pastry venture. My advice to other women is simple: start small but think big. Be bold and entrepreneurial.”
Rashieda Clemens, trainee Entrepreneurship Training Transforms Lives of ITP Women in Suriname
Rashieda Clemens, a 25-year-old law student from Witagron, Boven Coppename region, heard about the training from KAMPOS and decided to participate. As a member of the cooperative organization Wina Wan, she joined to learn how to keep a cooperative functioning and to explore her aspirations of starting a micro-enterprise.
“I found the training instructive, and all the trainers did their best to explain everything clearly, even using Sranan Tongo to ensure everyone understood,” Rashieda shared.
Claudette Ravenberg, trainee Entrepreneurship Training Transforms Lives of ITP Women in Suriname
For Claudette Ravenberg, a 54-year-old financial controller at the University of Suriname and an advisor to the Wina Wan cooperative in Witagron, the training provided unexpected insights.
“Despite my financial background, I found the course on cost calculation particularly enlightening—it gave me a fresh perspective on pricing strategies. The training was well-structured, and I recommend providing financial support as incentives to help these women develop their micro-enterprises,” Claudette noted.
Case Presentation: Establishment of Cooperative Board
At the close of the training, each participant proudly received a certificate, marking not just the completion of the programme but the beginning of new journeys.
During the closing ceremony, Ruben Martoredjo, Programme Officer at UNDP, emphasized the program's significance: “These are small but impactful interventions. I encourage the participants to continue aspiring and using the knowledge gained to improve yourselves and your families. I admire your commitment.” He also extended gratitude to partners VIDS and KAMPOS and to the New Zealand High Commission for the Caribbean,noting, “I look forward to sustaining this collaboration for the benefit of ITP communities.”
Renathe Simson from KAMPOS added, “The training aims to improve one’s capabilities and create opportunities for a better life.”
Loreen Jubitana from VIDS recognized the participants’ determination and advised:
“Use the knowledge gained to enhance your micro-businesses or take the first steps to start one.”
As these women return to their communities, their stories of transformation inspire others to rise above adversity. The training is a testament to what is possible when strategic partnerships, targeted funding, and an unwavering commitment to inclusivity come together.
In the words of Grace Watamaleo, “This is just the beginning. With continued support, we can ensure these lessons ripple across generations, transforming not just individual lives but entire communities.”