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Nine-point action plan to support pandemic crisis-hit women entrepreneurs launched at G20 women’s summit (en)

22 octubre 2020
ITC Noticias

(Geneva) − A comprehensive action plan for corporations, policymakers and the global community that aims to unlock women's entrepreneurship as an essential prerequisite of 'building back better' after COVID19 was launched at the virtual W20 Summit on 22 October 2020.

The plan builds on the growing consensus that the equal economic participation of women - who have been hit disproportionately by the economic fallout of the pandemic - will be indispensable in rebuilding the global economy.

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the International Trade Centre (ITC), United Parcel Service (UPS) and Women 20 (W20) co-authored the plan.

'The current situation requires us to ensure that the crisis does not exacerbate existing gender inequalities that affect women's access to resources and equitable economic opportunities,' say the authors of Women Entrepreneurs: An Action Plan to Build Back Better.

'It presents us with the impetus to involve women as part of the solution for economic resilience beyond the pandemic, and simply because it is "smart economics".'

In a statement, John W.H. Denton of ICC, Pamela Coke-Hamilton of ITC, Penelope Naas of UPS and Thoraya Obaid of W20 said: 'The consequences of inaction would be dire. More global cooperation and support from different stakeholder groups are a fundamental part of the solution.'

The report gathers insights from governments, businesses and women's economic empowerment networks about critical trends and potential scenarios that matter for women in trade.

It also presents a nine-point plan that urges corporations, policymakers and governments to:

 

  • Increase women's participation in corporate supply chains
  • Use flexible supply chain financing options
  • Provide targeted training for women-led businesses to promote resilience and competitiveness
  • Support women's access to finance and financial services
  • Boost women's participation in public procurement opportunities
  • Promote solutions for continuity of business
  • Strengthen global cooperation
  • Drive change for women through the W20
  • Support digital literacy and the use of digital technologies

 

The plan also includes essays by:

 

  • Hon. Arancha González Laya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Spain
  • Hon. Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, Canada
  • Hon. Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister of Small Business Development, South Africa
  • Hon. Lucas Palacios, Minister of Economy, Development and Tourism, Chile
  • Sen. The Hon. Marise Payne, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women, Australia
  • H.E. Dr. Isatou Touray, Vice President, The Gambia
  • Representatives of UPS, Li & Fung Group, Mastercard, Walmart and 15 global experts

 

The plan was launched at the virtual W20 Summit (19-22 October 2020), which marked the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Saudi Arabia hosted the summit as chair of the G20.

Please find the linkhttps://www.intracen.org/publication/Women-Entrepreneurs-W20/

Note for the editor

About ITC- The International Trade Centre is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

For more information, visit www.intracen.org.

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Vittorio Cammarota

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International Trade Centre

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