This event takes place as part of the European Development Days and will begin at 9:30 in Room D4 at Tours and Taxis (Avenue du Port 86C, 1000 Brussels). Register to the event directly via the eudevdays.eu website. Deadline for registrations is 18 May.
This lab debate will explore the important contribution that women entrepreneurs are making as regards implementation of many of the sustainable goals set out in Agenda 2030 and the challenges and opportunities they face in developing and emerging countries. The focus will be on ways in which governments and the private sector can help to address these challenges and ways in which women business leaders can be further empowered by state and non-state initiatives.
This event is part of our Development Policy Forum (DPF), which brings together a number of important development actors, including the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the United Nations and the World Bank. Reflecting the growing role of the private sector in development, the DPF has now welcomed Coca-Cola and Eni to the forum. The DPF contributes to the global and European conversation on inclusive development. Through its activities and publications, the DPF reflects the rapidly-changing global debate on growth and development and seeks to encourage a multi-stakeholdered, fresh, up-to-date thinking on the multiple challenges facing the development community.
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IMAGE CREDIT: ILO/A. Azhari/Flickr
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08:30-09.00
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Welcome & registration
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09:00-10:15
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Women spearheading implementation of Agenda 2030
Women business leaders, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and local female entrepreneurs are key to growth, development and building a thriving economy. Women entrepreneurs are playing the crucial role of innovators of cutting-edge products and services, enabling a leap forward in such fields such as retail, food services, information technology, and by developing new products and processes as regards in agriculture, healthcare and other vital fields. While women entrepreneurs create new businesses, disrupt established industries and develop innovative platforms at a record pace, they still face institutional barriers to starting and growing a business that makes financial parity with male entrepreneurs a long-term challenge.
- When it comes down to access to capital, trainings and support, challenges for women are multiplied. What can the EU do to help foster a more attractive business environment for female entrepreneurs?
- What are governments doing to support women entrepreneurs and how can public-private partnerships enable women to achieve their potential and make a lasting difference in their country’s economy?
- Beyond legal and financial barriers, women also face social and cultural obstacles that limit their access to education and work. What can successful female entrepreneurs do to encourage the behavioural change needed and increase business opportunities for younger and older women?
Speakers:
Dorcas Apoore, Founder of ‘ASIGE Ghana’, a woman-based organisation empowering women through basket weaving; and European Development Days Young Leader
Catherine Collin, Head of Regional Representation for East Africa, European Investment Bank (EIB)
Odile Conchou, Head of Social cohesion, Gender, Sport & Development at the Operations Department , Agence Française du Développement (AFD)
Henriette Geiger, Director for People and Peace at the European Commission Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development
Angie Rozas, Senior Director for the Global Women Economic Empowerment Programme, Coca-ColaModerator:
Shada Islam, Director for Europe and Geopolitics at Friends of Europe





Tel.: +32 2 893 98 23
Email: sarah.bentz@friendsofeurope.org
Registration will open soon and will be done through the European Development Days Website.
For more information, please contact Sarah Bentz, Programme Manager at Friends of Europe.
Our events include photos, audio and video recording that we might use for promotional purposes. By registering, you give your permission to use your image. Should you have any questions, please contact our Head of Communications, Angela Pauly, at angela.pauly@friendsofeurope.org.