Mauritian women-led businesses took center stage at the WTO-ITC High-level event on Women & Trade, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from February 24th to 25th, 2024. Hosted by the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Mauritius, which spearheads the SheTrades Hub Mauritius, the delegation showcased the island nation’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to gender equality in business.
A delegation of 11 women-led businesses represented Mauritius at the flagship event, which brought together over 200 trade and business leaders from 60 countries. The summit served as a platform to launch the WTO-ITC Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, an innovative initiative aimed at harnessing digitalization to enhance the competitiveness of women-led businesses and unlock new market opportunities.
The two-day event featured a series of engaging panel discussions, networking sessions, and the ITC SheTrades Innovation Festival. These activities not only celebrated the progress made by women entrepreneurs in international trade but also inspired governments and the private sector to take bold actions in support of women’s economic empowerment and the trade agenda.
The participation of Mauritian women-led businesses underscored the pivotal role of women in driving economic growth and fostering inclusive development. By showcasing their expertise, creativity, and resilience on a global stage, these entrepreneurs not only promoted their own enterprises but also contributed to elevating the profile of women in trade worldwide.
Through collaboration, mentorship, and access to resources, initiatives like the SheTrades Hub Mauritius are empowering women to deliver their full potential as drivers of sustainable development and prosperity. Mauritius continues to champion gender equality and entrepreneurship with the participation of its women-led businesses in international forums like the SheTrades Summit.
The participants from Mauritius expressed their utmost satisfaction with the event, as evidenced by their statement:
Samantha Seewoosurrun, Managing Director of Perpetual Motion Ltd
I was delighted to participate in the SheTrades Summit in Abu Dhabi as part of an inspiring team of dedicated women entrepreneurs from Mauritius, with the strong support of the Economic Development Board. Through this event, we were able to witness the launch of a new WTO-ITC fund to support women exporters in the digital economy, to attend masterclasses, and to connect with like-minded women entrepreneurs from across the globe. We were able to put Mauritius on the radar of those attending and to share the benefits of doing business in the country. I was particularly pleased to meet vibrant African women from a range of sectors and look forward to collaborating with them in the future. We left feeling energised at the huge potential of women entrepreneurs in the global economy.
Shahannah Abdoolakhan, CEO of Abler Consulting
The SheTrades Summit in Abu Dhabi was an enlightening experience and was nothing short of a revelation, igniting a vibrant confluence of ideas, innovation, and inspiration, all centered around the incredible potential of women entrepreneurs. The event stood as a formidable platform, weaving together meaningful connections and fostering a sense of camaraderie among women from a spectrum of business landscapes. The masterclasses were akin to a goldmine of insights, casting light on a myriad of entrepreneurial facets, from strategizing, nurturing progressive businesses, brand registration, deciphering the digital economy, to marketing, leadership, and resilience. This event has undeniably etched a deep imprint on all attendees, empowering us to strive for greater heights in our entrepreneurial journeys.
For further information and updates, please visit the SheTrades Hub Mauritius page.
https://edbmauritius.org/itc-shetrades-mauritius-hub
