CIPE Celebrates Women's Entrepreneurship Day, Works on Women's Empowerment in 58 Countries

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Since 1999, the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) has worked on women's empowerment in 58 countries, John D. Sullivan, Executive Director of the Center for Private International Enterprise said today.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141118/159288

Today is Women's Entrepreneurship Day which is part of Global Entrepreneurship Week. The week officially opened on November 17 in 150 countries with millions of people—from young students to start-up entrepreneurs to government leaders—taking part in activities and events throughout the week.

"Today we celebrate the work of women worldwide as they start businesses to create jobs and help their communities," John D. Sullivan, Executive Director of CIPE said today. "CIPE is proud to work with women entrepreneurs to help them build businesses, expand women's associations, promote policies for inclusive entrepreneurship and become leaders."

Through its programs and international partnerships, CIPE works to:

• Facilitate business environment reforms that lower barriers for women to start, operate, and grow businesses.
• Raise awareness about how women entrepreneurs play a fundamental role in building democracies that deliver.
• Equip women business associations to serve their members' needs and advocate for policies supportive of women's entrepreneurship.
• Educate young women on entrepreneurship, the fundamentals of market economy, and civic leadership.
• Strengthen institutions that support women's economic participation such as property rights and rule of law.

One example of success is in Cajamarca, Peru where two of the graduates of CIPE's EmprendeAhora civic leadership program set up a rural agricultural cooperative. The cooperative educates people on best growing practices and sales. Amelia Lara de Fuentes, a local community member, learned valuable skills from the cooperative and now earns four times more income than before.

"Before, we were the forgotten town. Nobody taught us how to improve agriculture because we had no professionals in our community," de Fuentes said.

Another example of CIPE's work is in Jordan. Lina Hundaileh is Chair of CIPE's partner the Young Entrepreneurs' Association. As chair, Hundaileh has successfully advocated for changes to Jordanian laws and cultural perceptions to promote a more favorable environment for women. She is a successful entrepreneur who owns a chocolate company and runs a consulting firm that helps women and youth start businesses.

In Bangladesh the Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BWCCI) successfully advocated for policy changes on access to credit. Its membership has grown from 300 to 2,500 members. They have successfully launched an agenda with 30 concrete policy recommendations. It has also helped to facilitate $93 million in loans to almost 10,000 women. 

CIPE is hosting a Google Hangout on November 19 to celebrate Women's Entrepreneurship Day. Hear from four leaders who are working to advance opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Jordan and Kenya.

Watch the discussion here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ovf-rl9iNRg

Media Contacts:
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SOURCE CIPE