Typing away on a marketing strategy for eHomemakers

My official work with eHomemakers began the day after New Year’s. I met the core team and received a thorough overview of eHomemakers, its history, and its current projects. I prioritized what was needed from me over the next two weeks – the main objective being the development of a preliminary business plan and marketing strategy for eHomemakers.

Last year, after eHomemakers received recognition as a runner-up for the Gender and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Award, they were approached by several organizations looking for its guidance in setting up similar ICT-based programs in their communities. A strategy focused on expansion is key this year since the long-term goal is to set up eHomemakers in Indonesia and Thailand.

Sheau Ching and her staff continue to amaze me with their resourcefulness. Despite funding roadblocks and red tape, they built a fairly advanced web portal that provides women with the encouragement and tools needed to pursue home-based careers. The work-at-home concept is a recent phenomenon in Malaysia and is catching on thanks to organizations like eHomemakers. eHomemakers has also given hope to disadvantaged women and the urban poor, many of whom see ICT as a way to develop needed skills and lift themselves out of poverty.

Sheau Ching makes a point at the EPU workshop

On Wednesday, Sheau Ching and I are traveling to Putrajaya, the administrative center of the federal government, to participate in a workshop organized by the Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Minister and the UNDP. The purpose of the workshop is to examine the role of ICT on women in Malaysia and other groups such as the disadvantaged and the elderly.

On Thursday we are going to Ipoh to pick up an order of baskets from the women of eHomemakers’ Salaam Wanita project. The baskets come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are hand-woven from old rolls of newspapers, magazines, and books.

Some Salaam Wanita women live in squatter conditions

Salaam Wanita gives poor and disadvantaged women the opportunity to earn money for their families through a variety of different jobs. Most of the women suffer from chronic illnesses and debilitating diseases that leave them homebound, and several of the women live in squatter conditions.

While in Ipoh, I will be profiling one of the Salaam Wanita women, and will also help the coordinators teach the women basic business skills.