We Lift elevating women in business

From homemade breads and pastries to locally written books and handcrafted jewellery, women entrepreneurs are taking centre stage this weekend at the National Aquatic Centre in Liliendaal, Georgetown.

More than 350 women in business are showcasing their products and services at the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s WE LIFT 5 exhibition, which began on Friday.

Business owner Chevon Lim of L’Evate Management Studio—an event planning, publishing, and editorial services company—is promoting numerous locally written books at the exhibition. In a special interview with the ministry, she said, “The books are about Guyanese culture, folklore,” and noted that she would be launching a new piece called “You’ve got it, own it”, which deals with women empowerment and various issues affecting women. Lim is a first time participant at the event.

Oneca Caesar, who owns the Countryside Kitchen, said she has a passion for cooking using the old-school methods and enjoys bringing the “country to the town.” Her items at the exhibition include corn bread, homemade bread, cakes and pastries, prepared using the methods of her elders. Caesar applauded the WE LIFT event, describing it as “a great opportunity for women to showcase their talents, while at the same time, meeting new customers and creating opportunities to expand their operations.”

Jewellery designer Matoya Grant, whose business Mag Elegance produces handmade costume and silver jewellery, shared that her items are made using all Guyanese materials such as precious stones and other minerals. An avid participant in the WE LIFT exhibition, Grant said, “The event gets bigger and better with each year.” She urged citizens to “come out to the event and support women in business,” highlighting the numerous items and services that will be offered.

The three-day exhibition was officially opened by subject minister Dr Vindhya Persaud and is now being dubbed the largest women’s exhibition ever hosted in Guyana. What began five years ago with just 75 women exhibitors has grown into a vibrant platform for over 350 female entrepreneurs, representing a range of industries including candle making, agro-processing, fashion, hospitality services, and food preparation.

Apart from the exhibition, today’s WE LIFT activities will feature a candle-making tutorial, jewellery making, Easter hat making, portraits and painting sessions, yoga, and more. Participants who benefitted from WE LIFT training between 2021 and 2023 will also be awarded certificates for the courses they completed during that period.

Models at the opening of the expo (MoHSSS)

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud, looks at agro- processed products on display (MoHSSS photo)