The Women in Business Economic Forum recently took place in Tbilisi, Georgia, bringing together influential women entrepreneurs, government officials, and industry leaders. Organized by the local business association ‘Women for Tomorrow’ with support from Gazelle Finance and Visa, the forum aimed to address regional challenges and promote women’s economic empowerment. The event highlighted the significant strides made in women’s entrepreneurship and provided a platform for sharing insights and fostering collaboration.
Government Initiatives and Support
The Georgian government has been actively promoting women’s entrepreneurship as a key priority. Deputy Economy Minister Irakli Nadareishvili emphasized the importance of this initiative during his speech at the forum. He highlighted the Georgian Small and Medium Entrepreneurship Development Strategy for 2021-2025, which focuses on increasing women’s participation in the economy. The government has implemented various projects through the Enterprise Georgia state agency and the Innovation and Technology Agency, resulting in a significant rise in women’s involvement in entrepreneurial activities.
Nadareishvili noted that the number of business entities with women founders has increased to 33 percent as of July. This progress is attributed to the government’s efforts to provide training and support for women in technology and other sectors. Over 600 women have been trained in technology skills development, with a particular focus on information technology. Despite these advancements, the Deputy Minister acknowledged that women’s participation in the workforce remains lower compared to men.
The forum served as a platform for discussing these initiatives and exploring new ways to enhance women’s economic empowerment. Government officials and industry representatives engaged in meaningful dialogues, addressing the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and identifying potential solutions.
Success Stories and Challenges
The forum featured inspiring success stories from women entrepreneurs who have overcome significant challenges to achieve their goals. These stories served as a source of motivation for other women aspiring to enter the business world. One notable example was the story of Nino Kvernadze, director of the Adjara Group, who shared her journey of overcoming obstacles and building a successful business. Her experience highlighted the importance of resilience and continuous learning in achieving success.
Participants also discussed the common challenges faced by women in business, such as access to funding, networking opportunities, and balancing work and family responsibilities. The forum provided a platform for women to share their experiences and learn from each other. It also emphasized the need for creating a supportive ecosystem that fosters women’s entrepreneurship and addresses these challenges effectively.
The event underscored the importance of mentorship and networking in empowering women entrepreneurs. Successful businesswomen shared their insights and offered guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the complexities of the business world. The forum’s collaborative environment encouraged the exchange of ideas and the formation of valuable connections.
Future Prospects and Opportunities
Looking ahead, the Women in Business Economic Forum highlighted several opportunities for further advancing women’s economic empowerment in Georgia. One key area of focus is enhancing access to finance for women entrepreneurs. The forum discussed various funding options and initiatives aimed at supporting women-led businesses. Participants emphasized the need for tailored financial products and services that cater to the unique needs of women entrepreneurs.
Another important aspect is the role of education and skill development in empowering women. The forum stressed the importance of providing continuous education and training opportunities for women, particularly in emerging fields such as technology and innovation. By equipping women with the necessary skills and knowledge, they can better compete in the global market and drive economic growth.
The forum also highlighted the significance of policy advocacy and collaboration between the public and private sectors. Participants called for stronger partnerships to create an enabling environment for women’s entrepreneurship. This includes implementing policies that promote gender equality, providing incentives for women-led businesses, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity.
