Industry News
January 2011
FEDSA briefing: Direct Selling Sector Supports EU Initiative on Women Entrepreneurs
FEDSA, representing the direct selling industry in Europe, supports the European Network of Female Entrepreneurship and welcomes the 12 countries that have joined this European Commission initiative. “Direct selling is a benchmark for women’s employment and women entrepreneurship in particular,” says FEDSA’s Executive Director Maurits Bruggink.
“More than 4 million people are actively involved in direct selling in the European Union, and over 80 per cent are women and self-employed. The direct selling industry is Europe’s largest provider of independent business opportunities and offers alternative, attractive employment to women. Many women cannot find or have lost their jobs in the traditional employment market. Direct selling empowers them to develop their capacities, helping them to achieve financial independence and allowing them to work whilst taking care of their family.
“It is particularly sad to note the current review of EU legislation on direct selling,” said Maurits. “This review seriously threatens the development of our sector. The proposals of the EU Presidency are similar to a minimal harmonisation of our sector, which hinders the creation of an internal market and the development of direct selling businesses.”
For more on European Network of Female Entrepreneurship:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/sme/promotingentrepreneurship/women/ambassadors/index_en.htm
