WSIS Action Line C7: e-Business: “Enabling women in eBusiness”


ITC/UNCTAD/UPU

Session 296

Monday, 13 March 2023 14:15–15:15 (UTC+01:00) Room F, CICG, 3rd Floor Interactive Action Line Facilitation Meeting

ENABLING WOMEN IN E-BUSINESS: The contribution of networks, supporting institutions and peers

The rapid spread of digital technologies after the COVID-19 pandemic has created new opportunities for women and increased their participation in the digital economy. However, women entrepreneurs are still facing various challenges such as discouraging social and cultural attitudes, lower levels of entrepreneurship skills, legal discrimination, greater difficulty in accessing start-up financing, smaller and less effective entrepreneurial networks, lack of mentorship, and policy frameworks that fail to address their needs.

 

In addition to traditional instruments to address these barriers, such as training and financing mechanisms, female role models and access to peer mentorship and business networks can have a significant and lasting impact on the participation of women in e-business.

 

Our session discusses the value of role modelling, peer support, business mentorship, supporting institutions and strategic networking to catalyse digital female entrepreneurship, create e-business opportunities, and facilitate sustainable and inclusive trade. The session will present testimonials from women business leaders and ecosystem enablers from various regions of the world, who are making a mark in their digital ecosystems and helping other women toward successful online trade.

 

KEY QUESTIONS:

  • What role do role modelling and peer networks play in translating global objectives of women’s digital empowerment into realistic local actions?
  • How can we foster role modelling and create a sustainable network structure in developing countries to bring successful women digital entrepreneurs together with those who need assistance?
  • What can women in e-business do to be change-makers and help empower other women toward successful online trade?
  • What contribution can national infrastructures such as Posts bring to enhance women’s participation in online trade?

Mr. James Howe Head Digital, Markets and Connectivity ITC, Switzerland Moderator

Ms. Lennise Ng [R] Founder and CEO - eTrade for Women Advocate for the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Dropee, Malaysia

Ms. Martine Zaarour [R] Founder Jar Thuraya, Lebanon

Ms. Tofara Lindsay Chokera [R] Fouder TofaraOnline, Zimbabwe

Ms. Leticia Molist Pérez [R] Product Manager Marketplace Correos Market, Spain

Ms. Viridiana Garcia-Quiles Programme Manager for eTrade for Women, eTrade Initiatives Section, E-commerce and Digital Economy Branch UNCTAD, Switzerland

Ms. Elvira El Hojeiri Associate Programme Officer, Digital, Markets and Connectivity ITC, Switzerland

Ms. Susan Alexander Sustainability services programme manager and gender focal-point UPU, Switzerland

Topics
Digital Divide Digital Economy Digital Inclusion Digital Transformation
WSIS Action Lines
  • AL C7 E–BUS logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-business
Sustainable Development Goals
  • Goal 5 logo Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
  • Goal 8 logo Goal 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all
  • Goal 9 logo Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

This session discusses the value of role modelling, peer support, business mentorship, supporting institutions and strategic networking to catalyse digital female entrepreneurship, create e-business opportunities, and facilitate sustainable and inclusive trade.