Santo Domingo.- Proindustria’s Directorate of Industry Support Services is taking strides to foster the development and competitiveness of women-led Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the manufacturing sector. On Thursday, they hosted the inaugural technical articulation table for the Industrial Prowomen program.
This initiative aims to bolster the female business network, offering specialized guidance on navigating the business climate, training, and securing financing for raw materials, inputs, and capital goods.
In a press release, Proindustria emphasized the program’s focus on promoting efficiency, modernization, and growth within MSMEs, stimulating innovation, and rejuvenating the national productive apparatus.
The event, led by Proindustria’s General Director Rafael Cruz Rodríguez and Industry Support Services Director Ilonka Acosta, convened over twenty public and private institutions, along with relevant sector unions, all directly involved in advancing the program’s objectives.
Cruz Rodríguez voiced his support for the initiative, expressing hope for collaborative efforts to enhance women’s roles in the Dominican Republic’s industrial sector.
Acosta underscored the significance of women’s involvement in the sector, stating, “It’s not just a matter of Human Rights; there’s a crucial component of economic efficiency and productivity at play here.” She emphasized the necessity for comprehensive gender policies, noting the persistent wage gap and inadequate training opportunities for women in the industrial sector.
Proindustria has made significant strides with the program, integrating over 200 women owners of MSMEs, all with remarkable stories of resilience and work ethic. More than 20 training sessions and over 30 technical assistance sessions have been conducted, benefiting over 150 industries and 500 women. Additionally, the program facilitates access to soft financing and assists in qualifying for tax incentives for equipment, raw materials, and supplies.
This initial meeting sets the stage for future collaboration, with plans to reach a comprehensive agreement by June among members of the intersectoral technical table to strengthen this gender initiative.