The Federation of National Associations of Women in Business from Eastern and Southern Africa (FEMCOM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Sudan which will act as a framework for cooperation between the two parties in empowering women.

FEMCOM Chief Executive Officer Ms Ruth Negash signed for the institution while the Under-Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry Mr Mohamed Ali Abdella signed for the government.

The two parties agreed to work together in addressing barriers that prevent Sudanese women to fully participate in economic activities and it will help in advancing gender equality and equity. This will be done through promoting women’s economic empowerment by supporting the growth of women-owned enterprises in the country.

“This MoU will also help the FEMCOM Chapter and government to strengthen their collaboration in the area of women inclusiveness in many areas with a particular focus on finances and promoting access to justice,” Ms Negash added. 

This is the first FEMCOM Chapter to officially sign an MoU with the government and the CEO. The FEMCOM Chapter in the Democratic Republic of Congo has also signed an MoU between the government and the local chapter chairperson.

Ms Negash revealed that the institution is working to ensure that all the 18 chapters in the Member States sign MoUs with the governments. This, she said, will also help encourage ownership of the chapters by the governments.