UN Trade and Development is reinvigorating efforts towards a gender-inclusive digital space by introducing four new advocates and bringing more women e-traders into the policy arena.
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The United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) puts women’s voices front and center in advocating for a digital economy that benefits everyone.
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The six women champions named to the 2024-2025 cohort will contribute to the development of policies that advance gender equality in the digital age.
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Strengthening women’s digital entrepreneurship is important for inclusive development, especially for developing countries.
Six women entrepreneurs will act as the 2024-2025 champion group for the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD)-led e-Trade for Women initiative.
Secretary-General Rebecca Grinspan announced the appointment in Geneva on May 6, highlighting the important role of women digital entrepreneurs in driving innovation, job creation and economic growth.
These women entrepreneurs from developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America are technology pioneers and champions of women’s empowerment through e-commerce and the digital economy.
© UNCTAD | The six women entrepreneurs are the fifth group of supporters since launching the eTrade for Women initiative in 2019.
Our latest lineup welcomes four new supporters: Vena Ariel Ahoansou from Benin, Hilda Mora from Kenya, Angeline Tam from the Philippines and Ajaita Shah from India.
They will work in conjunction with existing supporter Yasmin Abdel Karim. egyptianAna Maria Sandoval Colombian – Both will continue in their roles for one more year.
Introducing new supporters
Vena Ariel AhoansouCo-founder and CEO of Kea Medicals (Cotonou, Benin), he is a physician and entrepreneur who leverages technology to improve healthcare services and optimize the use of resources in this key area. She is the new champion of Francophone Africa.
Hilda MoraaThe founder and CEO of Pezesha (Nairobi, Kenya) is a visionary leader building innovative financial solutions that empower women entrepreneurs across Africa. She is a new champion for Anglophone Africa.
Angeline Tam, Co-founder and CEO of Angkas (Manila, Philippines) is a business leader in the ride-hailing industry. She leverages digital technology to help build a safer and more inclusive transportation sector. She is an emerging advocate for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
Ajaita ShahCo-founder and CEO of Frontier Markets (Jaipur, India) is a social entrepreneur whose e-commerce platform is helping bridge the digital divide for rural women. She is the first advocate appointed for South Asia.
Unleashing women’s potential in the digital economy
As a key pillar of their mission, advocates will help address persistent gender disparities in the digital economy that hinder sustainable and inclusive development.
“Advocates help draw attention to the persistent challenges women face in accessing finance, technology and markets,” said Shamika N. Silliman, United Nations Director of Trade, Development, Technology and Logistics. .
“Their insights and leadership will help shape policies that promote gender equality in the digital age.”
Women’s leadership in the digital economy will also be highlighted at the seventh meeting of the Intergovernmental Expert Group on E-commerce and the Digital Economy, to be held in Geneva from 6-8 May, with the participation of diplomats, business and civil society representatives. , rises to the top of the agenda. Attendance.
At the meeting, Latin America and the Caribbean advocate Ana María Sandoval called for efforts to help women in developing countries better contribute to and benefit from the burgeoning digital economy. Ta.
Mr. Sandoval spoke on a panel discussion on Building Digital Capacity and Responsiveness alongside Cham Nimr, Minister of Commerce of Cambodia, and Mohamed Abdallahi Lourie, Minister of Digital Transition, Innovation and Modernization of Mauritania.