Cade Lucas
Don’t be fooled by the name; Point Cook’s Patience Rabai is a woman in a hurry.
Despite only emigrating to Australia from Botswana less than a decade ago, the 34 year old entrepreneur has already created and run a number of companies, including her current business, NDIS provider, POWA Care Connections.
And in June, Ms Rabai added Afro Aussie Women in Business to the list, an organisation aimed at helping other African women achieve success in business.
She explained why such a body was needed.
“I do a lot of networking and attend a lot of business networking events. Unfortunately at these events I hardly ever see African women attending them,” said Ms Rabai who quickly identified the reasons behind their absence.
“I realised African women are not empowered because they’re not open and confident enough to engage with other people besides other Africans.
It’s just a cultural thing because as Africans we’re taught to be too humble and this is a result takes away the confidence to do business the way we should.”
Ms Rabai said there other barriers holding back African businesswomen too.
“African businesswomen have the skill to perform tasks for businesses, but they lack the education and qualifications that can help them grow their businesses.”
To address this, AAWIB has partnered with Melbourne University to allow members into its Blue Nile African Australian Business Masterclass program each year.
“They’ll be learning about marketing, accounting, HR and other skills that are needed in order to run a business,” said Ms Rabai of what the women will be taught.
In addition, the AAWIB also hold regular networking and mentoring events, with the next scheduled for December 2 at Encore Events Centre in Hoppers Crossing.
There is also a business hub in Werribee that provides members with office space.
While based in Wyndham for now, Ms Rabai said AAWIB was focussed on helping African business women all across Australia and from all parts of their home continent too.
“On our board the president is from Botswana, the vice president is from Nigeria and our treasurer is from Zimbabwe,” she said.
“These issues are from across the continent.”
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