Justina Mutale’s Post

Please meet Zarin Hainsworth, who will Chair our Justina Mutale Foundation’s United Nations CSW68 official Parallel Event taking place during the ongoing United Nations 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Zarin serves as Chairperson of the United Kingdom’s Civil Society Women's Alliance, which works closely with the UK Government Equalities Office on issues affecting women and girls and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. Zarin is also Ambassador and previously served as Chairperson of the United Kingdom’s National Alliance of Women’s Organisation. Under the theme, FINANCING FEMALE-LED INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP, the Justina Mutale Foundation’s United Nations CSW68 official Parallel event will be an intergenerational dialogue, focusing on empowering women and girls through the financing of female-led innovation and entrepreneurship to drive gender equality and eradicate poverty by harnessing the potential of female-led initiatives and the economic empowerment of women and girls. Speakers and participants will highlight the importance of investing in women and girls and share insights, opportunities, challenges, emerging trends and realities on the ground in paving the way for women and girls to embark on entrepreneurial ventures, innovation, and start-ups. This is a FREE in-person event at the United Nations in New York. However, all delegates are required to register in advance. You can join the conversation by registering on this link: https://lnkd.in/eAhDCA2h #csw68 #csw #csw2024 #innovation #entrepreneurship #startup #technology #business #financing #investment #venturecapital #femaleentrepreneurs #femaleentrepreneurship #newyork #newyorkcity #unitednations #angelinvesting #angelinvestors #angels

Would you also like to witness gender equality in your life time? According to UN Women's most recent report, at the current rate of progress, it will take 286 years for the world to achieve gender equality. Per the World Economic Forum it will take another 132 years to close the global gender gap.

Happy #InternationalWomensDay. Today we reflect on the importance of inclusion, diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society. We reflect on where we came from, where we stand today and the road that is still ahead of us. Working in the #climateinnovation space, characterised by its commitment to innovation and renowned for its pioneering spirit, I was kind of surprised to see that here too there is still a huge gender inequity problem. Despite generating more revenue, being financially more sustainable, and having a greater focus on sustainability and social consciousness compared to their male counterparts, women entrepreneurs globally receive no more than 5% of venture capital funding each year. And, a 2022 study showed that women-founded enterprises in Europe accounted for only 10 per cent of total start-ups created. Let’s take time to think about what we all can do to shift the status quo. Investing in #women is financially smart and good for our planet.   Together with my colleague Wallis Grant, I collaborated on a series of insightful stories aimed at raising awareness and showcasing the gender work we do with our partners around the globe at EIT Climate-KIC. We developed a practical guide with 5 actions organisations can take to be gender smart. We proudly launched our campaign today. Each month, we'll be spotlighting one action through interviews and case studies. I’m looking forward to sharing these stories with you in the coming months. Are you already gender smart in your organisation? Check out our practical actions to start today below. 

Investing in women is financially smart and good for our planet. Women-led ventures generate more revenue, are more financially sustainable, and have a greater focus on sustainability and social consciousness compared to their male counterparts. Surprisingly, this group of entrepreneurs receives no more than 5% venture capital funding globally every year. This is the reality for women entrepreneurs across the world. At EIT Climate-KIC, we’re committed to driving systemic change in gender equity across the climate innovation sector. Our programme, supported by Irish Aid, helps partners identify gaps in their understanding of gender inequity and implement concrete actions for organisations to embed a gender lens into their everyday work. Today, on International Women’s Day, we are kicking of a series of impactful activities and highlighting the gender work we do. Until June, we'll spotlight one action each month through interviews and case studies. So what actionable steps can organisations take to address gender inequity in climate entrepreneurship? Download our "5 actions to be gender smart for innovative climate entrepreneurship" here: https://bit.ly/48JkKlR #IWD #InspireInclusion #SystemsChange #ClimateEntrepreneurship #WomenEntrepreneurs

Investing in women is financially smart and good for our planet. Women-led ventures generate more revenue, are more financially sustainable, and have a greater focus on sustainability and social consciousness compared to their male counterparts. Surprisingly, this group of entrepreneurs receives no more than 5% venture capital funding globally every year. This is the reality for women entrepreneurs across the world. At EIT Climate-KIC, we’re committed to driving systemic change in gender equity across the climate innovation sector. Our programme, supported by Irish Aid, helps partners identify gaps in their understanding of gender inequity and implement concrete actions for organisations to embed a gender lens into their everyday work. Today, on International Women’s Day, we are kicking of a series of impactful activities and highlighting the gender work we do. Until June, we'll spotlight one action each month through interviews and case studies. So what actionable steps can organisations take to address gender inequity in climate entrepreneurship? Download our "5 actions to be gender smart for innovative climate entrepreneurship" here: https://bit.ly/48JkKlR #IWD #InspireInclusion #SystemsChange #ClimateEntrepreneurship #WomenEntrepreneurs

Today is #InternationWomanDay! When I was reporting on climate solutions at The Beam, something became clear very quickly: women entrepreneurs do not get a fair share of the cake when it comes to investment. Things haven't changed that much since then. The problem is: When all the solutions come from the same people, those who get the most investment - aka, white men - they are often not adapted to women, especially black and brown women. I remember clean cooking stoves that had been designed in European offices for the African market. The smart engineers forgot one thing: to ask the end-users, women in Africa villages, what they needed. A month after they were delivered and once the team from Europe left, the stoves were abandoned. They weren't adapted. All of this to say, one of the biggest and most effective actions one can take is to give direct investment or financing to women-led organisations. This will go a huge way in closing the investment gap that exists. And as a bonus, we now know that investing in women-founded companies generates more revenues, and for longer, compared to companies founded by men. There are more ideas on what to do in "5 Actions to be gender smart for innovative climate entrepreneurship" that you can find in the post below and on Climate-KIC gender mainstreaming page: https://lnkd.in/ermYMwKT

It’s #internationalwomensday ✨ let’s explore how your organisations can support women-led innovations and continue to learn about gender-smart investing 🏄🏻♀️ Entrpreneurship Supplry Organisations, these are some steps to shape up your role as key #allies in #entrepreneurship #ecosystems 🌱

Delighted to announce that, Shaila Rao Mistry, CEO & Founder of the STEM-Institute, who is also Founder & President of Jayco MMI, an aerospace and medical device innovation and designing and manufacturing company will be a Speaker at the Justina Mutale Foundation’s United Nations CSW68 official Parallel Event taking place during the ongoing United Nations 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Under the theme, “FINANCING FEMALE-LED INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP”, the Justina Mutale Foundation’s United Nations CSW68 official Parallel event will be an intergenerational dialogue, focusing on empowering women and girls through the financing of female-led innovation and entrepreneurship to drive gender equality and eradicate poverty by harnessing the potential of female-led initiatives and the economic empowerment of women and girls. Speakers and participants will highlight the importance of investing in women and girls and share insights, opportunities, challenges, emerging trends and realities on the ground in paving the way for women and girls to embark on entrepreneurial ventures, innovation, and start-ups. This is a FREE in-person event at the United Nations in New York. However, all delegates are required to register in advance. You can join the conversation by registering on this link: https://lnkd.in/eAhDCA2h #csw68 #csw #csw2024 #innovation #entrepreneurship #startup #technology #business #financing #investment #venturecapital #femaleentrepreneurs #femaleentrepreneurship #newyork #newyorkcity #unitednations #angelinvesting #angelinvestors #angels

👸🏽 Bridging the Gender Gap in Entrepreneurship: Unlocking Potential for Climate Action Despite significant strides in gender equality, a persistent imbalance remains in the world of entrepreneurship. Across the vast majority of countries, there are significantly more male entrepreneurs than female. This disparity is not just a statistic; it has real consequences for innovation, diversity, and our collective response to global challenges like climate change. One of the most glaring indicators of this imbalance is the stark difference in venture capital (VC) funding. On average, enterprises founded or co-founded by women receive less than half the amount of VC investment compared to their male counterparts. This funding gap not only hinders the growth of women-led businesses but also limits the innovative solutions these entrepreneurs bring to the table—particularly in areas that are crucial for our future, like climate action. Women have been at the forefront of driving climate change behavior evolution, often championing sustainable practices and community-focused solutions. Their unique perspectives are invaluable in addressing the multifaceted challenges of climate change, from renewable energy innovations to circular economy models and beyond. Yet, without equitable access to funding and support, the full potential of these contributions remains untapped. The value that women entrepreneurs bring to the fight against climate change is immense. By investing in women-led ventures, especially those focused on sustainability, we can accelerate the transition to a greener, more resilient future. Diverse perspectives drive innovation, and empowering women in entrepreneurship is not just about fairness—it’s about harnessing the full spectrum of talent needed to tackle the world’s most pressing issues. 💡 It's time to close the gender gap in entrepreneurship and recognize the critical role women play in shaping our planet’s future. By supporting women-led businesses, particularly in the climate sector, we can foster a more inclusive and dynamic economy that prioritizes both people and the planet. Let's work together to ensure that every entrepreneur, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive and make a positive impact on our world. ShEquity Rising Tide Africa #Entrepreneurship #GenderEquality #ClimateAction #WomenInBusiness #SustainableFuture #InclusiveEconomy

This International Women's Day, the theme calls for "Invest In Progress: Accelerate Progress" FWWB echoes this message wholeheartedly. For decades, we've been champions of investing in women entrepreneurs, empowering them to become the architects of their own success and the catalysts for positive change in their communities. Through FWWB's targeted interventions, FWWB has had a significant impact on the lives the women. We get to see that tangible impact through the testimonials of the beneficiaries. Each success story reinforces our commitment to advancing gender equality and economic empowerment. Through targeted interventions, FWWB has been instrumental in: Financial Literacy and Business Skills Training: We equip women with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage their finances effectively, understand market dynamics, and make sound business decisions. This empowers them to confidently navigate the complexities of running their own businesses. Mentorship and Networking Opportunities: FWWB connects women entrepreneurs with experienced mentors and peers who provide guidance, support, and access to valuable networks. This fosters a sense of community and collective learning, allowing women to learn from each other's experiences and forge valuable connections. Access to Capital and Financial Products: FWWB understands that access to funding is often a major barrier for women entrepreneurs. FWWB works with financial institutions to design and deliver tailored financial products and services that meet the specific needs of women-owned businesses. This allows them to secure the resources they need to grow and scale their ventures. The impact of our interventions is evident in the countless success stories of women entrepreneurs FWWB have supported. From micro-entrepreneurs to established business owners, FWWB have witnessed women raising capital, elevating their business operations, and upscaling their leadership skills. #IWD2024 #WomenEmpowerment #FWWB #Entrepreneurship #Leadership