Message at the Graduation ceremonies of the ILO-Great Women-J.P. Morgan women entrepreneurs peer programme

By Ms Sara Andersson, Project Technical Officer delivered on behalf of Mr Khalid Hassan, Director, ILO Country Office for the Philippines at the Graduation ceremonies of the ILO-Great Women-J.P. Morgan women entrepreneurs peer programme, 4 May 2022, Manila, Philippines

Statement | Manila, Philippines | 04 May 2022
  • Ms Jeannie Javelosa, CEO, GREAT Women
  • Mr Archiebald Marchan, J.P. Morgan Philippines
  • Volunteer Coaches from J.P. Morgan Philippines
  • Women Entrepreneurs;
  • Partners, guests, ladies and gentlemen, magandang umaga sa inyong lahat (good morning to all of you)!
The ILO Rebuilding Better Women Entrepreneurship Flip your Biz, Peer and Technical Support Programme has concluded. We salute the first cohort of women entrepreneurs who finished the programme.

You have succeeded despite your busy schedules at work, at home, and for this programme. Your graduation reflects your limitless ability for learning and seeking new business options.

Inspiring women entrepreneurs to flip their businesses is no easy task. We appreciate our partner, Great Women, for leading this peer programme. Entrepreneur-founders of Great Women, Jeannie and Chit, generously shared their entrepreneurial journeys and insights.

The team’s genuine desire to assist you in rebuilding your businesses motivated them to hone your skills in flipping your business.

Their work shows the value of women’s networks in providing a safe space for entrepreneurs like you to acquire necessary tools and insights, regardless of the stage in the entrepreneurial path.

Most importantly, we convey our gratitude to our donor J.P. Morgan, for the excellent volunteer technical work. Your technical and multiplier sessions equipped and empowered our women entrepreneurs to examine their financial statements and gain a new perspective on their businesses.

We applaud the Good Works team for curating the topics, choosing the right volunteers and simplifying complex business concepts into action items. We should continue this great collaboration for more initiatives under this programme.

We must keep investing in women’s potential and assist them in expanding beyond micro and small enterprises. This has been at the core of the ILO Rebuilding Better Programme. Strengthening access to crucial support services helps women entrepreneurs recover from COVID-19 and adopt more sustainable and resilient business models.

The Decent Work Country Programme of the Philippines supports micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in creating inclusive and sustainable employment.

Our women entrepreneurs help build more resilient and sustainable businesses. The ILO’s Global Call to Action serves as roadmap for a human-centred recovery from COVID-19 that is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient.

With the reopening of the economy, we hope you leave this programme more resilient and equipped for your enterprises. Consider the ILO as part of your current network and a partner in rebuilding better your businesses.

Congratulations and I look forward to seeing your new plans for your businesses.

Maraming salamat po (Thank you very much)!