NEWS:Women's Enterprise Network Launched
(2007-06-25)

On 25th June, Barbara Hastings-Asatourian, founder and MD of Contraception Education was welcomed as an Ambassador for Women's Enterprise at Lancaster House in Westminster, where she celebrated the launch of this initiative with the Rt Hon Margaret Hodge, Minister for Industry and Regions.

The event was chaired by Polly Toynbee, political and social affairs editor from the Guardian. She welcomed the Ambassadors and introduced a panel of experts from the Bank of Scotland, Microsoft and women in enterprise.. Regional events are also being held throughout the summer, and Barbara will also be at the NW event in Warrington on July 9th.

This initiative has emerged from the "Girls Make your Mark Campaign" to encourage 18-30 year old women to be enterprising.

Each Ambassador was today challenged to inspire 50 more women to set up their own businesses. "What a privilege this is. I would never have guessed that my small innovation would ever have got me into this position. I will do my utmost to meet this challenge".

Barbara already mentors young new business people through the Princes Trust, and tells her story in schools, Business Education Partnerships and organisations like Rotary, Round Table, Lions and the WI
"Saying inspiring things is one thing, but supporting someone through the highs and lows of a start up business is very, very different. When someone starts up something they really believe in it is really like being on a rollercoaster, scary, exhilarating, sometimes embarrassing, yet at the same time the sense of sculpting ones own career destiny is uniquely satisfing and exciting. People need encouragement to carry on when they are feeling down, and praise and recognition for their achievements.
One of the most important things we can do is inspire young women to believe that there could be a lot in store for them, and that doesn't always mean having babies at a young age. For example International volunteering is such an education, and people who have had an experience. with global charities often feel totally inspired to change things. I have recently spoken to young parents in Salford , and to young people on YMCA and E2E programmes about their contraceptive options which are key to having a choice and raising thieir aspirations"

Last week Barbara also received a Special Recognition Award at the EU Women Inventors and Innovators Network in Berlin for sustained results in her own enterprise. "I remember reading once that we should never forget whose shoulders we are standing on. I owe such a lot to my lovely family, friends and many others for their continuous contribution, support and encouragement."

Ends For further information please contact Barbara at Contraception Education on +44(0)7764 821521

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Finalist in British Female Inventor of the Year April 2003 Finalist in National Business Awards Entrepreneur Category 2003 A BFIY's Top 10 Woman Inventor and Innovator 2005 Finalist in 2005 E-Commerce ICT Innovators Awards- Health Category (DTI Interforum) Winner of 2006 Exceptional Exporter Award (UKTI, Chamberlink, Salford City Council)