Celebrating Connecting the Dots and Celebrating our Closest Neighbour, New Caledonia’s 40th year anniversary of FCE Femmes Chefs D’Entreprises (FCE)
By Suzanne Bosanquet, Immediate Past President – Queensland Division
Building upon magic connections and friendships created by the 71st World Congress in Sydney last October and the Paris Congress the year before, I had the absolute honour to speak, contribute and partake in the 40-year anniversary celebrations of Femmes Chefs D’Entreprises New Caledonia (FCE NC) in Noumea on October 27.
This celebration is one of the most impactful, most uplifting and inspiring events I have ever experienced. The palpable energy amongst the women was infectious, their camaraderie and their absolute commitment to uplifting and supporting each other resonated throughout every singular detail of the day, and beyond. FCE New Caledonia truly embodies the FCEM motto:
Alone we are invisible, Together we are invincible – Seules nous sommes invisibles, ensemble nous sommes invincibles
It was incredibly humbling to be embraced like a sister, to be supported, and in reciprocity, provide support to them and their community in an impactful and meaningful way, being present and speaking at the conference to the power of the networks, the connections, the global partnerships and initiatives, the advocacy of women led businesses, continuing education through mentoring and trade opportunities, the impact and the global stats, plus its importance within and for our PACIFIC region.
Representation and my mission of strengthening ties between our countries and chapters was critically important for advocacy of the FCEM Network and for starting conversations on how we collectively build impact within our region through common goals and projects, whilst supporting and uplifting each other. I am very excited for our future opportunities and for what our impact on the larger region may look like.
It was wonderful to contribute to conversations alongside the French Ambassador for the Pacific, and other key FCE NC members at two different events, on stage and at the embassy, transmitting key messages of the strength and history of the collective to the audience of business leaders, young entrepreneurs and media, resulting in making local news on TV France and radio, headlining “Women Entrepreneurs at the heart of the Economy of New Caledonia”.
WCEI Australia’s impact of hosting the World Congress in Sydney last October, left an indelible mark on many of the FCE NC members. Over half of their membership attended at a time of hardship, a time of civil, political and unrest within their country. Our Sydney event provided them with an opportunity for upliftment, revitalising and inspiration, allowing them to recentre to return home and persevere within an environment of reduced financial stability and an unknown future. They are truly grateful to us for being so welcoming and embracing and delivering an incredible program of well-planned and orchestrated events.
Ensuring the voices of women in business and their contribution to economies, is why FCEM and WCEI exists. The camaraderie and lifelong friendships formed within the network between like-minded and spirited people, and their contribution to society and the world is nothing but incredible. Attending and supporting International Events is just as important as supporting our local and national community.
Together we are stronger.
Alone, we are invisible. Together we are invincible.