The Connecting One Million Women Who Trade (CWT) initiative, a groundbreaking global endeavor, has partnered with the World Bank to empower one million women traders worldwide, aiming to dismantle gender barriers and unlock the immense economic potential of women in trade. Launched in Lagos, Nigeria, the initiative seeks to build a robust ecosystem for female entrepreneurs by fostering collaboration, providing access to essential resources, and breaking down the silos that often impede women’s economic advancement. CWT’s focus on creating a network of 10,000 business associations and cooperatives across Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean underscores its commitment to building a strong foundation for women-led businesses. This network will serve as a crucial conduit for resources, training, and capital, equipping women entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed and contribute significantly to their local economies.
The CWT initiative recognizes that empowering women in trade is not just a matter of providing financial resources; it’s about fostering a supportive and enabling environment where women can learn, connect, and grow. CWT aims to connect women traders with industry experts, provide comprehensive training programs to enhance their business skills, and facilitate access to much-needed capital. By addressing these key areas, the initiative strives to create a level playing field for women entrepreneurs, enabling them to compete effectively in the global marketplace and contribute to sustainable economic growth. The initiative’s overarching goal is to drive economic growth by unlocking the untapped potential of women entrepreneurs, recognizing their crucial role in building thriving communities and fostering inclusive economic development.
Since its pre-launch phase in October 2023, CWT has garnered significant support from prominent international organizations and institutions, including the World Bank, George Washington University, the Ronald Reagan Trade Center, the United Nations Headquarters, the National Black Chambers of Commerce, Prosper Africa, and Amazon. This collaborative approach underscores the global recognition of the importance of empowering women in trade and building a more inclusive global economy. The partnership with the World Bank, in particular, signifies the initiative’s commitment to leveraging global expertise and resources to maximize its impact on women entrepreneurs worldwide.
The launch event in Lagos highlighted the broad-based support for the initiative and featured prominent figures like Chief Jewel Taylor, former Vice President of Liberia, who emphasized the synergistic relationship between women’s economic empowerment and community development. Taylor’s statement underscores the belief that when women are empowered economically, the benefits extend far beyond individual gain, contributing to stronger economies and more resilient communities. Epsy Campbell, the former Vice President of Costa Rica, also attended the launch, further demonstrating the international support and recognition of the initiative’s importance.
The signing of a memorandum of understanding between Blueprint Group OAKWOOD Green Africa and the Women Business Collaborative during the launch event signals a concrete step towards building partnerships and creating tangible opportunities for women entrepreneurs. This collaboration represents a practical application of the initiative’s goals, demonstrating a commitment to fostering strategic alliances that can directly benefit women-owned businesses.
CWT’s call for organizations and individuals to join the movement reflects its commitment to building a broad-based coalition of supporters dedicated to empowering women in trade. The initiative recognizes that achieving its ambitious goal of connecting one million women traders requires collective action and collaboration across sectors. By inviting broader participation, CWT aims to foster a global network of advocates and partners working together to create a more equitable and inclusive global economy where women entrepreneurs can thrive. The initiative’s vision is to create a ripple effect, empowering women not only economically but also socially, fostering a more just and prosperous world.
