Joint OWIT-International Trade Centre Panel on Inclusive Trade – Expanding Participation of Women in Small & Medium Size EnterprisesÂ
Here are some of the different points that were raised by women involved in trade from the business community, the ITC and OWIT during the panel discussion:
Ann Shazell, Global Lead Lawyer, Cargill Ocean Transportation Group
- Cargill has taken initiatives to promote the financial independence of women in developing countries such as getting involved in communities where they source materials as a food and agricultural producer and partnering with NGOs and local organizations to understand the needs of women who often have many cultural restraints.
Alisee de Tonnac, CEO & Co-founder, Seedstars World
- Launching a business is tough for both men and women; passion is a gender neutralizing force.
Aicha Pouye, Director, Division of Business and Institutional Support, International Trade Centre
- WTO sets up the rules of trade; UNCTAD ensures the rules are applied; and ITC helps coach SMEs who need it most, particularly women, to win the game of market access and contribute to women’s economic empowerment.
- It’s important for women to have mentors. Make time to coach women.
- Women need a toolbox including education financial support and confidence to be successful and empower them to trade.
Andrea Ewart, International Trade Lawyer & President, OWIT International
- Caribbean companies face many barriers entering global markets and women-owned businesses face additional barriers.
- There is a strong presence of women in the informal economy.
- Corporations ae now integrating women in their supply chains and have supplier diversity programs that also help women sell to each other too.
