Dutch Embassy supports LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs
The program will be conducted through a blended-learning approach that uses both online and offline materials. It will be an 11-module program personalized for each participant according to their self-declared schedule
The Embassy of Netherlands partnered with Quezon City government and Samahan ng mga Pilipino para sa Kaunlaran (SPARK!) Philippines to launch a digital business program for aspiring lesbian, bisexual and transexual (LBT) women entrepreneurs.
Twenty-five women of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity from Quezon City will be given the necessary tools and information to start a business. They were selected based on their financial background and commitment to finish the program.
Funding will also be shouldered by the program to serve as an initial capital to fully realize each business pursuit.
The program will be conducted through a blended-learning approach that uses both online and offline materials. It will be an 11-module program personalized for each participant according to their self-declared schedule.
SPARK! Philippines president Imelda Nicolas said in a statement that gender issues took a backseat even further because of the continuing crisis.
“Due to the pandemic, gender issues have taken a backseat and this has also exposed the deep-rooted inequalities that still exist in our society. In an effort to support the LGBTQ+ community and combat these problems, SPARK! is working closely with its partners to make entrepreneurship and economic empowerment as accessible as possible,” she shared.
Women’s economic empowerment has been the flagship campaign of SPARK! Philippines. Apart from the mentioned Quezon City-based program, it already built fundamental workshops all over the country to support enterprises aspired by Filipino women.
Its recent round of workshops was a Luzon-focused one helping 30 women entrepreneurs in partnership with Office of the Vice President Leni Robredo’s Angat Buhay program and Coca-Cola Foundation.