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Local GuyExpo exhibitor WADNET, committed to empowering women
Women’s Agro-Processors Development Network (WADNET) is a network comprising 11 groups of women from various regions who are actively involved in agro-processing and at the same time, empowering women
WADNET’s products that were on sale at the recently concluded GuyExpo 2016.
to contribute to society.
These groups of women are from several regions including Region 1 (Barima/Waini), Region 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) and Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo).
The Network exhibited at GuyExpo – Guyana’s premier trade fair and exposition – and has been doing so for several years as they seek new markets and promote local products derived mainly from fruits, barks and spices.
The Network has evolved over the years since its inception back in 2011 and now consists of 85 women.
All of the products exhibited at their GuyExpo booth, were locally produced items from home-grown products. Some that were on display were honey, peanut butter, farine, cassava bread, creams, pepper sauce, jams, jellies, green seasoning, soaps and an array of herbal medications.
President of the Network, Rosamund Benn, said that the entity provides women with the means of earning and at the same time allows them to contribute to their families, their communities and their country.
“WADNET is all about empowering women,” she said. “There is now (a means of) income to women who were once sitting at home, having nothing to do and just depending on their husbands. Now that they have been empowered because of the various training sessions that we had, we are now able to have a business of our own and we can contribute to the welfare of our families. We take pride in what we do,” Benn said.
Most of the ingredients used in the making of these products, Benn said, are obtained from the vegetation that can be found in their communities, while some ingredients are purchased from farmers.
Benn stated that GuyExpo has assisted the Network in expanding its reaches. She stated that last year, they were able to export Virgin Coconut Oil to Antigua.
Local markets have also developed a liking to the Network’s produce as well, Benn said. She disclosed that Sterling Products Limited has been purchasing their Crabwood Oil Soap for some time now and are currently eyeing their Carambola preserved fruits line. The Guyana Shop has also been supportive. She said.
The Network is also a member of the Caribbean Network of Rural Women Producers (CANROP). Some of the groups that make up WADNET include the Blue Flame Women’s Group; Pomeroon Women’s Agro-Processors Association; Helping Hands Women’s Products Cooperative Society; and the Waini Naturals.
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