Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-03-21 21:01:33
UN Women is committed to supporting women-owned businesses in Liberia to bridge the gap of gender disparities in workplaces and empower women economically. Through the provision of grants and programs, UN Women aims to create a conducive business environment for Liberian women entrepreneurs to facilitate their growth and expansion in the country.
During a recent workshop at the Ministry of Commerce, UN Women Representative to Liberia, Christine Umutoni, announced plans to introduce programs and provide grants to support women-owned businesses. She highlighted the need to address the gender disparities in workplaces, where about 80% of enterprises are owned by men, leaving women with fewer opportunities despite possessing similar skills.
Umutoni emphasized the importance of promoting gender equality and empowering women in the business sector nationwide. She stressed the need for a collective effort to ensure women’s empowerment in workplaces and to put competition on par with men on a permanent basis.
The workshop focused on implementing the 2023 Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs) project, which aims to advance gender equality through corporate responsibility. Panelists at the workshop, including prominent figures like Palmena W. Weah, Olive Saab, and the National Chairperson of the Association of Women in Cross-Border Trade, discussed the economic benefits of gender diversity in leadership and the role of women-owned businesses in driving sustainable development.
The Women Empowerment Principles include gender-equal corporate leadership, workplace equality, health and safety, education and training, enterprise and supply chain development, community advocacy, and measurement and reporting. These principles are essential for promoting gender equality and empowering women in the business sector.
Madam Gbene Horace-Kollie Sarah, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, commended the Chamber of Commerce and UN Women for organizing the dialogue. The dialogue aimed to devise strategies to address gender disparities and promote gender equality in workplaces, emphasizing the economic benefits of gender diversity and the importance of women-owned businesses in driving sustainable development.
Overall, UN Women’s commitment to supporting women-owned businesses in Liberia is a crucial step towards bridging the gender gap in workplaces and empowering women economically. Through grants and programs, UN Women is working to create a conducive business environment for Liberian women entrepreneurs, ensuring that they have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in the business sector.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
