The last minute arrangements done. I ran to the gate with butterflies fluttering in a tizzy in my stomach. I looked across at my committee wondering if they had noticed my nervousness. Some glanced back and said sheepishly: “sorry can’t help fidgeting but we are nervous”! The words were like balm for my nerves. It’s not just me. I thought... it’s normal.

Fourteen women from the Indian Merchants Chamber – ladies wing who worked day and night to take 29 women entrepreneurs to South Africa to showcase high quality lifestyle products, jewellery and garments. After meticulously arranging every detail over 5 months, were now here for the grand finale. The women exhibitors at this Call of the Peacock exhibition in South Africa were handpicked with much care and thought. Yet we were apprehensive of how things would be perceived. Will we get the response we wanted?

I could see the motorcade. The deputy president of South Africa Ms. Mlambo Ngouka was here to inaugurate the Call of the Peacock. Taking a deep breath I stepped forward to greet her with my arm outstretched. The deputy president got out of her car and folded her palms together. It was going to be a namaste for she is well versed in Public relations.

We took her around the exhibition centre. We had women entrepreneurs from all over India showcasing their products ranging from ready made garments, linen, jewellery, etc. Ms. Zanele Mkebi the first lady of South Africa, Ms Mlambo Ngouka Deputy President of South Africa and the other dignitaries were very impressed. The scheduled 10 minute visit of his excellency the president of South Africa lasted for more than an hour. Before leaving, they requested for a dialogue with us women from India who had put this exhibition together. The deputy president wanted to work together with us to find sustainable solutions for the empowerment of women from both our countries.

We had come prepared. This was our opportunity. The exhibition was to give South Africa an idea of what we had and what we could do. The bait worked. So we unlocked our hearts and minds to them. Put forward our elaborate plans.

A design centre was what we were aiming at. A three tier design centre to prepare the artisans to meet the challenges of the new world. This centre would help women from economically disadvantaged sections of society to enhance their skills, capture the full picture and understand the markets. A centre that moulds and prepares women to become tomorrow’s entrepreneurs. In a globalised economy it was important to find markets across the world. South Africa was our first choice. And so we were here.

Until now, the young women entrepreneurs of India had only participated in our annual IMC Ladies Wing diwali exhibition in Mumbai and internationally in Singapore, Hongkong, Dubai and London. These women who work from their homes with no direct outlets for their wares to markets. For the first time we ventured into a relatively unknown country.

From their little huts in Uttaranchal, Haryana or Karnataka their pieces of handiwork would reach homes in South Africa. Our artisans would need to adapt their skills to suit the psyche of the South African women. And we at IMC together with our counterparts in SA would help them do just that. The window to the world was opening and they would gear themselves to meet the world outside. Along with this we hope to have a long term relationship where both countries can benefit by creating fusion products of superior quality at affordable prices.

Inauguration From L to R: Ms. Seema Javeri (Exhibition committee Member), Ms.Busi Kuzwayo Consul General of South Africa in India, Ms. Elizabeth Thabethe Dy.Minister of Trade & Industry, Ms. Rita Dalal (Comm.Mem), Ms.Kumud Bajaj (Comm.Mem), Ms. Ms. Priyadarshini Kanodia (Comm.Mem), Ms. Radhika Daiya,(Comm.Mem), Ms. Minal Bajaj President of IMC Ladies' Wing, H.E. Ms Phumzile Gloria MLAMBO-NGCUKA Deputy President of South Africa Guest of Honour Ms. Vandana Kanoria Chairperson, Ms. Anar Shah,(Comm.Mem),Ms. Amita Haribhakti,(Comm.Mem),Ms. Savita Parikh,(Comm.), Ms. Parul Patel Co-Chairperson, Ms. Surbhi Tanna Vice- President IMC Ladies' Wing, Ms. Vera Mahajan( Comm.Mem ),