Mastercard and Women’s World Banking recently strengthened their partnership to support female entrepreneurship across the Middle East and Africa (MEA). This collaboration is dedicated to creating significant economic opportunities that empowers women with the skills and resources needed to succeed in business.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
Mastercard and Women’s World Banking’s partnership is focused on fostering growth and creating employment opportunities for more women by 2030. Nezha Alaoui of Women Choice noted that empowering women is key to the economic flourishing of the regions. Alaoui stresses the broader benefits of economic empowerment: personally, socially, and politically.
Here’s what is currently underway:
- Empowerment Programs: In 2023, Women Choice launched the ImpactHer and EmpowerHer initiatives. These programs are designed to provide 50,000 women entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, and resources by 2024. Their aim is to enhance the participants’ ability to grow their businesses and generate employment.
- Community and Network Building: Over the past few years, more than 15,000 women have joined Women Choice’s network, benefiting from over 100 accelerator programs and conferences that solidify their business presence.
- Economic Impact: The ongoing efforts are not only creating jobs but also advancing the economic status of women in the region. This move is seen as crucial for broader economic growth and prosperity in the MEA.
- Corporate Commitment: Amnah Ajmal of Mastercard highlighted the commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment where women can thrive. This involves equipping them with necessary tools and skills to drive regional economic growth.
TF Summary: What’s Next
The Mastercard and Women’s Choice partnership is set to expand further in 2024 by building on the successful initiatives already in place. As the programs aim to reach more women and enhance their business capabilities, the future is promising for female MEA entrepreneurs. Continued focus on empowerment and resource provisioning will foster more high-quality opportunities for economic development and personal growth that create female leaders in their communities.