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The United Nations Conference for Trade and Development, UNCTAD,has named a Nigeria,four others as advocates for women Entrepreneurs
The five advocates are successful women entrepreneurs and pioneers in the digital economy.
UNCTAD has appointed new “eTrade for Women advocates” to empower women in the digital economy and promote more inclusive e-commerce ecosystems.
Birame Sock from Senegal, Damilola Olokesusi from Nigeria, Lennise Ng from Malaysia, Mona Ataya from the United Arab Emirates and Pierangela Sierra from Ecuador are the third cohort of advocates since UNCTAD launched its eTrade for Women initiative in 2019.
“The global economic landscape has changed tremendously since we launched the eTrade for Women initiative almost three years ago,” said Shamika N. Sirimanne, UNCTAD’s director of technology and logistics.
“But the challenge remains the same: we need to take action to reduce a growing digital divide. The advocates can help us change the rules of the game to level the playing field for women,” Ms. Sirimanne said.
Bridging the gender divide in the digital economy
The advocates will help tackle gender disparities in the digital economy.
They will serve as role models, using their knowledge and experience to help other women digital entrepreneurs across the world overcome gender biases and grow successful businesses.
Studies by the International Finance Corporation show that women could add over $14.5 billion to e-commerce markets in Africa alone and $280 billion in South-East Asia, between 2025 and 2030.
A critical part of the advocates’ mandate is to bring the voice of women to the policymaking table and help create more and better opportunities in the digital space.
They will engage with policymakers to ensure the needs of digital small and medium enterprises are considered by governments when making policies and regulations on digital ecosystems.
Over 200 women entrepreneurs supported
UNCTAD’s advocates have supported over 200 women digital entrepreneurs across the globe since 2019.
Under their leadership, the initiative has held eight regional masterclasses in Latin America, West and East Africa, South-East Asia, the Balkans, and the Arab region.
They have also created eTrade for Women regional communities of women digital entrepreneurs in 34 countries.
https://unctad.org/news/unctad-names-new-advocates-women-e-commerce
