Women and youth empowerment and entrepreneurship policy

Countries need to adapt to disruptions in the field of technological innovations, ecological changes, economic development and social changes. Entrepreneurs and private sector organizations can play an important role in dealing with these changes in developing appropriate products and services and in delivering societal and ecological impact. Female and male entrepreneurs promote innovation, they create jobs, and bring economic prosperity. Nonetheless, in many countries the number of women economically participating as entrepreneurs is much lower than men, leading to a large untapped potential on a worldwide scale.

Women empowerment and entrepreneurship deals with stimulating the participation of women in business and private sector. Even though women are entitled to equal access to economic options, business and resources, their needs and opportunities are often different from men’s. In order for gender equality to improve, these needs and opportunities need to be addressed not only at community level but also system-wide. Therefore, attention for gender related issues and institutionalization of these aspects is essential. Furthermore, there will be a special focus in the program for youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.