A weekend trade fair dubbed “Empower Her Market: Juana’s Fiesta Pangkabuhayan” is celebrating women entrepreneurs, producers, and sectoral leaders in Negros Occidental this National Women’s Month.

The two-day event, which opened Saturday at Ayala Malls Capitol Central here, showcases the products of Negrense women at the forefront of building communities and driving the local economy.

In her message, Lynna Joy Cardinal, Director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Negros Occidental, said the “Empower Her Market” is not just a marketplace, but a platform where women’s ideas turn into opportunities as well.

“It is also where passion becomes livelihood and where small businesses grow into sustainable enterprises. Every product displayed and every booth set up here represents courage, hard work and a vision for a better future,” she said.

Now on its second year, the trade fair features exhibits of local products, skills trainings and networking opportunities that promote economic empowerment for women.

More than 30 booths are selling food products, organic products, health and wellness items, garments, home accessories and decors, and artworks, as well as promoting advocacies for women.

Other participants are groups of indigenous people, overseas Filipino workers, persons with disabilities and persons deprived of liberty.

“By supporting women-led businesses, we are also supporting families, communities and inclusive development. When women are empowered economically, communities become stronger and more resilient,” Cardinal said.

“Empower Her Market” is a collaboration among DTI-Negros Occidental; Provincial Gender and Development Focal Point System; Provincial Council for Women; Provincial Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Council; and Association of Negros Producers. (PNA)