The Connecting One Million Women Who Trade (CWT) initiative has officially launched in Nigeria, with a mission to empower one million women traders, foster economic growth, and dismantle gender barriers in trade.
Highlighting the transformative impact of empowering women in trade, Chief Jewel Taylor, Former Vice President of Liberia, stated:
“When women are empowered through trade, a synergy is created that boosts economies and strengthens communities.”
CWT aims to harness the potential of women in trade to drive sustainable economic development by:
- Unifying Associations: Bringing together organizations and individuals committed to supporting women in business.
- Fostering Collaboration: Breaking silos that hinder women’s advancement.
- Providing Resources: Offering training, expertise, and access to capital.
CWT’s vision is rooted in creating a robust ecosystem for female entrepreneurs. The initiative seeks to:
- Connect women with expertise and training opportunities.
- Build a network of 10,000 business associations and cooperatives supporting women in trade.
- Increase access to resources, capital, and markets.
By empowering women entrepreneurs, the initiative aims to boost economies across Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean.
The initiative has already garnered significant support during its pre-launch phase, which began in October 2023. Key stakeholders include:
- World Bank
- George Washington University
- Ronald Reagan Trade Center
- United Nations Headquarters
- National Black Chambers of Commerce
- Prosper Africa
- Amazon
These partnerships underscore the global commitment to advancing women’s participation in trade and entrepreneurship.
Impact and Future Goals
By empowering women in trade, CWT aims to create:
- Greater economic opportunities for women.
- A stronger ecosystem for female entrepreneurs.
- Sustainable growth that strengthens communities and economies.
This initiative represents a significant step toward gender equity in trade and underscores the potential of women as key drivers of economic transformation.
