By Chief Dr Patrick Osagie Eholor
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs recently embarked on a well-intentioned initiative to support women in small-scale businesses by providing them with POS terminals.
While the intention to bolster entrepreneurship among women is commendable, the execution of this strategy has drawn criticism and raised concerns among stakeholders.
Firstly, the distribution of POS terminals overlooks fundamental challenges faced by women in small businesses, such as access to capital, market access, and skills development. Merely providing a POS terminal does not address these underlying issues and may even exacerbate them by creating a false sense of support without addressing the root causes of women’s economic challenges.
Moreover, there is a lack of transparency and accountability in the selection process for beneficiaries of the POS terminals. Without clear criteria and mechanisms for selection, there is a risk of favoritism, nepotism, and exclusion of deserving women entrepreneurs who truly need support.
Furthermore, the sustainability of this initiative is questionable. Providing a POS terminal without adequate training, technical support, and infrastructure may render the terminals ineffective or underutilized. Without ongoing support and monitoring, the initiative may fail to achieve its intended impact and result in wasted resources.
Critics argue that the focus should be on comprehensive support programs that address the multifaceted needs of women entrepreneurs, including access to finance, business training, mentorship, and market linkages. A holistic approach that considers the socio-economic context and individual needs of women in small businesses is essential for meaningful empowerment and economic development.
In light of these concerns, it is imperative for the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to review and revise its strategy for supporting women in small-scale businesses. This should involve meaningful consultation with stakeholders, including women entrepreneurs, civil society organizations, and experts in gender and development.
Instead of pursuing quick-fix solutions like distributing POS terminals, the ministry should invest in sustainable and inclusive interventions that empower women economically and contribute to their long-term success. By addressing systemic barriers and providing comprehensive support, we can create an enabling environment where women can thrive as entrepreneurs and contribute significantly to national development.
Chief Dr Patrick Osagie Eholor, otherwise known as Ultimate Equal is the President, One Love Foundation. He writes from Benin City,Nigeria.
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