Untapped Global ’s Post

Check out this piece I wrote about data-driven investments in Africa 🚀

This week is International Women's Day with the theme 'Invest in women: Accelerate progress' shining a light on the huge priority that is #FeministFinance: ❕ 1 billion women globally do not use or lack access to the financial system ❕ $300 billion is the size of the annual financing gap for women-owned MSMEs ❕ $4.5 trillion would be added to the Asia-Pacific GDP by tackling gender disparities in economic opportunities Our new United Nations ESCAP report “Financial Resilience, Inclusion and Entrepreneurship: Is Asia and the Pacific close to Gender Parity?” shows how countries in the Asia-Pacific region are doing in terms of #gendergaps in #financialinclusion, asset control and ownership, financial #resilience and #stress, and #entrepreneurship. We will launch the report at #CSW68 next week during our side event at UNHQ (Conference Room D) on 13 March at 1:15 pm. To find out more take a look at the article below: https://lnkd.in/gWmaZdrK

Benefits of Women Doing Business in Burkina Faso

🌍 Women in African Business: Progress Amidst Challenges Women in #Africa are making significant strides in #entrepreneurship, with 25% of businesses led by women—far surpassing the 5.7% in #Europe. Despite this, structural and social barriers persist, particularly at higher levels of management and in accessing #funding. Key issues include: - Career Advancement: Women face challenges climbing the corporate ladder, often due to stagnating salaries and educational barriers. - Funding Gaps: Female entrepreneurs struggle with limited access to capital, impacting their growth and sustainability. - Social Norms: Persistent societal expectations and biases continue to undermine women’s progress in business. Read more about the progress and the ongoing challenges women in African business face. https://lnkd.in/eh7aX7Ni #WomenInBusiness #AfricanLeadership #Entrepreneurship #GenderEquality

Super excited to lead my team and our delegation of the Justina Mutale Foundation to the United Nations 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), taking place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Looking forward to convening the Justina Mutale Foundation’s United Nations CSW68 official Parallel Event titled, “Financing Female-Led Innovation and Entrepreneurship”. Our 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 women-led initiatives. 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. At the Justina Mutale Foundation, we believe that investing in women is not just a commendable endeavour, it is an essential driver of progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. We also believe that empowering female entrepreneurs and innovators is not merely a moral imperative, but that it is a strategic investment for a more sustainable and equitable future for all. We believe that by unlocking the potential of women, we ignite a ripple effect of innovation, job creation, economic growth, human prosperity and progress for all. By so doing, we contribute to economic prosperity and tackle pressing social and environmental issues including poverty alleviation and climate action. 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 #unitednations #genderequality #womenleaders #worldleaders #innovation #entrepreneurship #femaleleaders #femaleentrepreneurs #femaleentrepreneurship #femaleleadership #newyork #newyorkcity #startup #venturecapital #investment #investors

Entrepreneurship has emerged as a powerful tool for empowering women, offering them avenues for financial independence, career flexibility, and societal impact. Across the globe, women are harnessing their entrepreneurial skills to break through gender barriers, create opportunities, and make a difference in their communities. Having skills as a woman is super important. Skills help us learn, grow, and succeed in life. They give us the knowledge and confidence to chase our dreams, earn money, and make a difference in our communities. Whether it's learning how to fix things, communicate better, or solve problems, having skills lets us stand up for ourselves and go after what we want. Plus, when we're skilled, we can help others and make the world a better place for everyone. In line with this, NEDI’s Care Africa Initiative is launching The Equip Her To Function Initiative2.0, intending to empower young ladies into creativity. We have a target of empowering 150-200 ladies with various skills and also providing mentorship for these ladies to enhance their productivity. We believe every woman can make a difference. #nediscareafricainitiative #nonprofitorganizationinnigeria #UnitedNations #ngoinafrica #charityorganizationinnigeria #womenenteprenuers #women

Strategic economic development initiatives are reshaping the landscape for women in Africa by focusing on financial access and entrepreneurship. These key areas are crucial for fostering inclusion and empowerment, enabling women to build and scale their businesses while contributing to broader economic growth. By improving access to financial resources and supporting entrepreneurial ventures, these initiatives are creating opportunities for women to drive innovation, enhance economic stability, and achieve greater social equity. As Africa continues to advance, these efforts play a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future for women across the continent. #WomenEmpowerment #EconomicDevelopment #FinancialInclusion #Entrepreneurship #AfricaLeadership #WomenInBusiness #EconomicGrowth #StrategicInitiatives #SocialEquity #FillMeWithColor

🌟 Breaking the Mold: Bridging the Investment Gender Gap in Central and Eastern Europe 🌟 Did you know? Only 1 percent of funding for start-ups from Central Eastern Europe goes to female-founded companies. The gender gap in the start-up industry persists. A staggering 94 per cent of investments in start-ups from CEE are directed towards companies led solely by men. At Healthy Investment Central and Eastern Europe (HICEE) project, we're committed to reshaping this narrative. Our project partners believe that targeted efforts are essential to tackle the structural inequalities faced by women entrepreneurs in the region. Join us in advocating for change. Let's empower more female founders, diversify investments, and foster an inclusive ecosystem where every innovative idea has a chance to thrive. Together, we can make a difference! Read more at: https://lnkd.in/dcHaynYx 💪 #IWD2024 #InternationalWomensDay #WomenPower #HICEE #FemaleFounders #SheLeadsHealthcare #GenderEquality #StartupInvestment #CEE #EuropeanInnovationcouncil #EIC

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

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation recently commissioned a survey asking more than 200,000 women in Kenya and Nigeria about their greatest economic ambition. The number one answer.... women wanted to own or expand a business. The number one barrier... they couldn’t access startup capital. This report highlights the work we are doing at M-KOPA on our women's digital inclusion. We have compelling data that shows positive trends that should inspire more financial institutions to give to women, such as, women are 10% less likely than men to default on their repayments. Let us unlock more credit to women! #financialinclusion #genderequity #genderdata