IFU’s Post

Democracy thrives in inclusive economies. A recent survey in El Salvador revealed only 30% of women participated in entrepreneurship training, versus 50% of men. CIPE’s Women’s Business Resource Centers in Guatemala, Papua New Guinea, and Ethiopia have successfully increased women’s participation. Learn how CIPE’s inclusion strategies can make a difference: https://bit.ly/3Tu48d6 #womenempowerment #InclusiveEconomy #InclusionMatters

#EmpowerHer: Best Practices for Achieving #SDG5- #GenderEquality & #WomenEmpowerment We’re committed to an integrated approach to programming for #SDG5, recognizing it as a cross-cutting goal essential for achieving all SDGs. #Genderequality and #womenempowerment are pivotal to sustainable development, influencing and enhancing progress across various sectors. By prioritizing #SDG5, we address critical equality issues and catalyze broader development goals, ensuring comprehensive and inclusive progress. Our efforts towards #SDG5 help create an environment where all individuals, regardless of gender, have equal opportunities to thrive. This approach fosters sustainable economic growth and strengthens social cohesion and environmental sustainability. While watching the video below, join us in our commitment to #genderequality and the #SustainableDevelopmentGoals. CREAWKenya| Forum for African Women Educationalists, Kenya Chapter (FAWEK) | AMWIK KENYA | White Ribbon Alliance Kenya | Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) | Women's Empowerment Link (WEL) | POLYCOM GIRLS 💛💙💖 | GROOTS Kenya | Equality Now | Akili Dada | Inua Dada Foundation | Women Deliver | Girls Not Brides: The Global Partnership to End Child Marriage | ICRW Africa #GenderEquality |#SustainableDevelopment |#LeaveNoOneBehind

Take a minute to read about all of the work our CARE Women's Economic Justice Team is doing. From savings groups in Côte d’Ivoire, to measuring women's economic growth through ROI, addressing digital barriers in Rwanda and Uganda to boost development efforts, and of course our own activities with Strive Women - this team means (Her)business! #WomensEconomicJustice #HerMoneyHerFuture https://conta.cc/3x4fEUF

WIN (Women Impacting Nigeria) is driving change by empowering women and creating opportunities that uplift communities. Through targeted initiatives, WIN is addressing critical issues like gender inequality, economic barriers, and access to education, ensuring women can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society. From leadership programs to grassroots development, WIN’s efforts are building a foundation for sustainable progress. By equipping women with the tools and resources they need, we are shaping a future where their voices are heard, their skills are valued, and their potential is fully realized. The impact of WIN’s work goes beyond individual success—it transforms families, industries, and entire communities. With every milestone, WIN continues to inspire a world where equality, empowerment, and innovation lead the way. #WomenImpactingNigeria #WIN #WINImpact #WomenEmpowerment #ChangeMakers #GenderEquality #SocialChange #EmpowerHer #EqualOpportunitiesForHer #Innovation

Despite significant momentum in previous years, gender equity progress in Africa has stagnated. It's now estimated that closing the continent's gender gap will take over 150 years. Africa's companies can pave a new way forward to empower and support women's economic equity, including: • Enacting policies against discrimination and harassment • Training employees in gender equity, business skills, and financial literacy • Providing women with equal pay and benefits A landmark BCG-United Nations Global Compact survey further reveals how companies can rise to the challenge of advancing women's economic inclusion in Africa. Delve into these findings in the article, "Companies Must Help Close the Economic Gender Gap in Africa," co-authored by Sanda Ojiambo, Tolulope Lewis Tamoka, Lina Al Qaddoumi, Qahir Dhanani, Zineb Sqalli, Natasha Lendich, and Maxime Kpangbai: https://lnkd.in/e5wSU_hv

What can you do differently this year to #inspire inclusion in your immediate environment? Inclusion isn't about allowing the "underdog" to "breathe". It is a needed strategy for growth and development in organizations and societies. No development effort can be sustained without it. It's great that we have so many women to look up to in Nigeria. Women who have, not only lived exemplary lives, breaking grounds that were considered exclusive to men; but also gone further to champion women empowerment programs and lead campaigns advocating for the socio-economic development of the girl child and the female gender at large. We celebrate you all. I urge all women to follow this path or create similar pathways; not just wait for others to do the needful. Happy International Women's Day! #Inspire inclusion #Investing in women: accelerate progress.

🚺 March 8 is a day to celebrate! Happy #InternationalWomensDay 2024! We celebrate women’s achievements but also raise awareness about discrimination and gender inequality. The theme of this year is #InspireInclusion. 🤝   How are we inspiring inclusion in our work at #WE4D?   GIZ’s regional programme “employment promotion for women for the green transformation in Africa – WE4D” aims to empower women and promotes diversity by improving women’s employment opportunities and strengthening the economic situation in sub-Saharan African countries. 📈 🌍   Wondering how we do this in practice? ✅ We support favorable framework conditions for women that they can thrive in all professions irrespective of gender. ✅ We try to sensitize and support companies to diversify their workforce to take actions for systematic change. ✅ We support women entrepreneurs and their individual needs especially, in green sectors.   How will you #InspireInclusion in your environment? Share your comments below! 📢   The WE4D programme is commissioned by BMZ, in partnership with the EU and Norad and implemented by GIZ. Further information on WE4D: Employment promotion for women for the green transformation in Africa (WE4D) - giz.de   #InternationalWomensDay2024 #InspireInclusion #WE4D   Picture: © GIZ/ Maria Chale

Happy #InternationalWomensDay 2024! 🚺 March 8 is a day to celebrate women’s achievements but also to raise awareness about discrimination and gender inequality. The theme of this year is #InspireInclusion. 🤝   How are we inspiring inclusion in our work at #WE4D?   GIZ’s regional programme “employment promotion for women for the green transformation in Africa – WE4D” aims to empower women and promotes diversity by improving women’s employment opportunities and strengthening the economic situation in sub-Saharan African countries. 📈 🌍   Wondering how we do this in practice? ✅ We support favorable framework conditions for women that they can thrive in all professions irrespective of gender. ✅ We try to sensitize and support companies to diversify their workforce to take actions for systematic change. ✅ We support women entrepreneurs and their individual needs especially, in green sectors.   How will you #InspireInclusion in your environment? Share your comments below! 📢   The WE4D programme is commissioned by BMZ, in partnership with the EU and Norad and implemented by GIZ. Further information on WE4D: Employment promotion for women for the green transformation in Africa (WE4D) - giz.de   #internationalwomensday2024 #inspireinclusion #WE4D Picture: © GIZ/ Maria Chale

I am Moyo Odejide, Founder, Shennovates, a catalytic hub focused on female entrepreneurs. Shennovates envisions a world where female-led and owned businesses are strategically positioned to drive innovation, economic growth and lasting societal change, whilst achieving global success. I reside in Lagos, Nigeria. My Favourite Sustainable Development Goals are SDG 4: Quality education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth. These goals reflect my commitment to crucial aspects of human development and societal progress, they also resonate with my vision of creating a world where everyone has access to quality education, equal opportunities, and dignified livelihoods, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and prosperous society. In advocating for my favourite SDGs, I work to promote awareness, policy advocacy, and direct action to address the systemic barriers hindering progress towards these goals. I will be participating in the 2024 United Nations Civil Society Conference that will be held in Nairobi, Kenya from the 9th-10th of May. My commitment to helping create a better world revolves around driving positive change and innovation to create a better world through purpose-driven innovation, social impact, ethical business practices, and leading by example. My message to Civil Society Organizations taking part in the Conference: In the spirit of collaboration and solidarity, let us seize this opportunity to amplify our impact and forge meaningful connections. Our diversity of perspectives, experiences, and expertise is our greatest strength, empowering us to tackle even the most daunting issues with creativity and resolve. #2024UNCSC #WeCommit

On March 6th, 2024, my colleague Janet Oladapo and I represented our organization, Grand Africa Initiative -GAIN , at a significant event held at the Abuja Conference Center. This event, organized by the Special Assistant to the President on Women Affairs, Engr. fatima abubakar faruk, comprised a trade fair exhibition and a conference focused on women's empowerment. Its primary goal was to foster discussion on key issues surrounding women's empowerment and provide women entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase their products and establish connections with potential customers, all in anticipation of International Women's Day. Under the theme "Invest in Women: Accelerating Progress," designated by the United Nations, the event aimed to help women identify and leverage their potentials. The first panel session featured distinguished panelists like Zaihat Mohammed, a business development manager, Onyeka Michael Ugwu, CEO of hello perfect, Neya Kalu, Chairman of the Sun Nigeria, Dr.Hon Asabe Vilita Bashir, DG of National centre for women development. It emphasized on the individual role each woman plays in ensuring gender equality. It also encouraged the implementation of women-focused initiatives and highlighted the importance of maintaining dignity regardless of circumstances. The session concluded with a call to action to educate and empower women at the grassroots level, especially those from underprivileged communities. The second panel discussion, featuring speakers like Charles Odii, DG of SMEDAN, Hassana Maina, Executive director of ASVIOL, Hansatu Adegbite, Fatima Askira, programme director at Malala fund addressed the cultural barriers and challenges women face, including sexual harassment. Participants were urged to hold governments accountable for including women's affairs in national and state budgets. The session concluded with a call for advocacy, particularly in policy-making procedures that positively impact women. As we anticipate International Women's Day as a time to reflect on achievements and opportunities, let us remember that it is our collective responsibility to invest in the limitless potential of women and accelerate progress in society. #womeninbusiness #womenempowerment #womenconference #womenday #internationalwomenday #motivation #learninganddevelopment