Local Women Producers' Fair empowers Moldova’s entrepreneurs

During October 18-19, the Local Women Producers' Fair took place in Chișinău, Republic of Moldova, as a satellite event within the regional Women Entrepreneurship Expo 2024 initiative. Held in the center of Chișinău, the fair aimed to foster connections between women entrepreneurs and potential buyers, facilitating opportunities to buy, sell, network, and establish sustainable partnerships.

One of the participants, Victoria Cutulab (LeoAnn Wood), successfully established a partnership with a local restaurant, and reflected on her experience: “For me, this was a wonderful experience. It was my first time participating in such a fair, where I had the opportunity to showcase my products and engage with potential customers. I received only words of praise; most visitors appreciated the quality of my products, especially since they are natural and handmade. Taking part in a fair like this has given me the courage and wings to continue growing my business.”

The event brought together over 80 women entrepreneurs from various backgrounds, attracting thousands of visitors over two days. The fair provided a valuable platform for women from rural communities, Ukrainian refugees, women with multiple children and women with disabilities to showcase their high-quality, locally made products from the agri-food sector.

Attendees had the chance to explore a wide range of offerings, including honey, teas and apiculture products; nuts, almonds and their derivatives; and fresh fruits, dried fruits and artisanal chocolates. The event also featured handmade crafts, fresh and processed vegetables, cheeses, dairy products, snacks and beverages, each crafted with care and skill by the women entrepreneurs.

 More than just a marketplace, the fair aimed to empower women by providing opportunities to grow their businesses while supporting the local economy. Visitors could sample, purchase and enjoy authentic, locally produced goods, knowing their contributions helped these women thrive.

The fair’s success was evident in its impressive sales figures. Estimates suggest the women entrepreneurs generated over 2.6 million MDL (approximately USD 150,000) in sales. This achievement highlights both the popularity of their products and the growing support for women-led businesses in Moldova.

 In celebrating its third edition, the Local Women Producers' Fair reinforced its role as an essential platform for women entrepreneurs, helping them gain visibility and contribute to the economic development of their communities. Through their collective efforts, these women are making significant strides in transforming local economies and showcasing resilience and innovation in entrepreneurship.

The fair was organized by UN Women Moldova, EUROCIVIS, and Kaufland Moldova, with the support of the Embassy of Sweden in Chișinău and the Swiss Cooperation Office.