In a recent announcement, Mastercard and Women’s World Banking unveiled an enhanced collaboration aimed at bolstering support for female entrepreneurs throughout the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. This strategic partnership is geared towards generating one million employment opportunities for women by the year 2030, marking a significant step towards gender equality and economic empowerment.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Initiatives and Impact
In 2023, Women Choice, an esteemed international organization dedicated to advancing women’s personal and professional development, launched a pilot cohort. Their ambitious goal for 2024 is to impact 50,000 women entrepreneurs across the MEA region. Spearheading this effort, Women Choice introduced two groundbreaking initiatives: ImpactHer and EmpowerHer. These innovative programs are designed to provide women entrepreneurs with comprehensive training, mentorship, and resources essential for business growth and job creation within their respective fields.
Through ImpactHer and EmpowerHer, women entrepreneurs gain access to invaluable support networks, expert guidance, and tailored resources to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. By equipping women with the necessary skills and tools, these initiatives not only foster individual success but also contribute to the overall economic development of the region.
A Commitment to Inclusion and Economic Growth at Mastercard
“At Mastercard, we are dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and equitable world, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” stated Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President, Market Development, EEMEA, Mastercard. This sentiment underscores Mastercard’s commitment to driving positive change and empowering women in the workplace.
The expanded partnership between Mastercard and Women’s World Banking reflects a shared vision of leveraging financial inclusion to unlock the full potential of women entrepreneurs. By combining expertise, resources, and networks, both organizations are poised to make a lasting impact on the economic landscape of the MEA region.
Driving Economic Advancement: The Role of Women Entrepreneurs
Women Choice has successfully connected more than 15,000 women entrepreneurs through its extensive network, facilitating their participation in over 100 accelerator programs and conferences. These efforts have solidified the presence of women entrepreneurs in the business world and demonstrated their capacity to drive innovation and growth.
Nezha Alaoui, Founder & CEO of Women Choice, emphasizes the critical role of empowering women in driving regional economic advancement. “Empowering women is essential for the advancement and flourishing of economies in the region,” Alaoui asserts. Through strategic partnerships and targeted initiatives, Women Choice remains committed to amplifying the impact of women entrepreneurs and fostering a culture of inclusion and empowerment.
The Mastercard-Women’s World Banking partnership represents a significant milestone in the journey towards gender equality and inclusive economic growth in the MEA region. By empowering women entrepreneurs, creating employment opportunities, and fostering economic development, both organizations are poised to make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of women across the region. As the partnership continues to evolve, its impact will extend far beyond individual businesses, shaping the future of communities and economies alike.
