Women-owned businesses need stronger support systems, better access to information, and greater collaboration opportunities if they are to fully benefit from Guyana’s expanding oil and gas sector, according to former President of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana (WCCIG), Rowena Elliott.
Speaking on day two of the fourth annual Local Content Summit, Elliott said women entrepreneurs often face unique challenges while trying to grow businesses and pursue opportunities linked to the country’s economic transformation.
“Positioning yourself as a woman-owned business, it’s not simple…Opportunity and accessibility must go hand in hand. The opportunities are there, but women-owned businesses must be positioned to take advantage of them,” Elliott told attendees.
Access to financing was another area Elliott identified as needing improvement. She said information about funding opportunities should be more accessible through business organizations and professional networks.
“We need mentorship, training and access to financing. Collaboration is critical if women-owned businesses are to scale and participate meaningfully in Guyana’s economic growth,” she said.
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Elliott also called for greater accountability and data on women’s participation in the sector, asking: “How many women-owned businesses are in the system? How many are certified? How many women-owned businesses have viable opportunities coming to them? How many of the oil and gas companies in here have women-owned businesses within your procurement or supply chain system and what are you bringing them in?”
Efforts to increase women’s participation in Guyana’s oil and gas industry have expanded in recent years. Business groups, the Local Content Secretariat and companies operating in the sector have rolled out networking events, training programs and supplier development initiatives aimed at helping women-owned businesses access opportunities.
This year’s summit focused on workforce development and local content participation as Guyana’s oil and gas sector continues to create opportunities across multiple industries.
It was held under the theme “From Policy to Prosperity. Unlocking Opportunities Through Collaboration.”
