Shann Jones MBE Founder and Director
Chuckling Goat
"Don'tbeintimidatedby whatyoudon'tknow. Thatcanbeyourgreatest strengthandensure thatyoudothingsdifferently fromeveryoneelse."
Honoring the Women Shaping Tomorrow's Business Landscape
Aswestepfurtherinto2025,thelandscapeofleadershipcontinuesto
evolve—andwomenareattheforefrontofthistransformation.InTheCIO Worldspecialedition,weareproudtospotlightfiveextraordinarywomen whoarenotjustleadingsuccessfulbusinessesbutreshapingindustries,redefining standards,andinspiringanewgenerationofleaderstorisewithpurposeand confidence.
Thesetrailblazershaveearnedtheirplaceinthiseditionthroughrelentless determination,resilience,andinnovation.Whetherthey'redisruptingtech,elevating socialimpact,drivinginclusiveworkplacecultures,orbreakingbarriersin traditionallymale-dominatedindustries,theirinfluencestretchesbeyondbalance sheets.Theyembodywhatitmeanstoleadwithauthenticity,vision,andboldness.
Oureditorialteamwasinspiredbythedepthofeachleader’sstory—notjustthe triumphs,butthechallengesthey’vefacedandthevaluestheychampion.From humblebeginningstoboardroomsandglobalstages,thesewomenrepresenta powerfulshiftinwhatleadershiplooksliketoday.
Thisissueisnotjustacelebration,it'sacalltoaction.Letthestorieswithinserveas fuelforanyonestrivingtolead,build,anduplift.Becausewhenwomenlead, communitiesthrive,industriesgrow,andthefuturebecomesbrighterforusall.
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FeaturedPerson
AmberMac President
JenniferPerri Founder&CEO
CompanyName
AmberMacMediaInc ambermac.com
SHEROLife& Empowerment Coaching.LLC. www.jenniferperri.com
MaryRobinson Directorofthe BinghamtonFund
ShannJones FounderandDirector
BinghamtonUniversity www.binghamton.edu
ShannonKatschilo CountryManager, CanadaatSnowflake
ChucklingGoat chucklinggoat.co.uk
Snowflake
www.snowflake.com
Brief
Amberisagloballyrecognizedinnovationandtechnology leader,bestsellingauthor,andaward-winningpodcaster.Sheis celebratedforherinfluentialkeynotespeaking,media expertise,andadvocacyforprogressinthetechindustry, inspiringaudiencesworldwide.
Perriisatransformationalcoachandbestsellingauthor whosejourneyofovercomingadversityfuelshermissionto empowerwomen.Sheintegratesfinancialexpertiseand compassionateleadershiptohelpothersthrivethrough life’schallenges.
Atransformativefigureincivilrights,MaryRobinsonis renownedforherpioneeringworkongenderequality,legal reform,andclimatejustice.Herglobaladvocacycontinues toshapehumanrightsandenvironmentalinitiatives worldwide.
Apassionateadvocatefornaturalhealth,ShannJonesis anaward-winningauthorandinnovatordedicatedto science-backedsolutionsforautoimmunedisorders.Her journalisticbackgroundandcommitmenttofamily farmingdrivehermissiontopromoteguthealthand holisticwellness.
Withextensiveexperienceinsalesleadership,Shannon Katschiloisknownforherinspirationalapproach, perseverance,andabilitytodrivesustainablegrowth.She excelsatbuildinghigh-performingteamsandfostering strongclientrelationshipsacrossdiverseindustries.
C O V E R S T O R Y
Leading the Way in Scien fic Collabora on for Wellness
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Shann’s leadership is deeply rooted in resilience, authenticity, and a relentless pursuit of solutions that genuinely help people.
“
Shann Jones MBE Founder and Director
Goat
Chuckling
Science Meets Tradition!
Naturalhealthandwellnessisgainingprominenceas
morepeopleseekholisticapproachestowellbeing.Withincreasingawarenessaboutguthealth anditsconnectiontooverallvitality,thedemandfor probiotic-richfoods,herbalsolutions,andsustainable skincarehassurged.Consumersaremovingbeyond conventionaltreatments,exploringremediesthatalignwith nature’srhythmwhilesupportinglong-termhealth. Scientificresearchcontinuestovalidatethebenefitsof traditionalremedies,encouragingabalancebetweenageoldwisdomandmodernscientificinquiry Thisshift underscorestheimportanceofproductsprioritizingpurity, transparency,andethicalsourcing,reinforcingacollective returntonature’shealingpotential.
ShannJonesMBE,FounderandDirector,hasemerged asacompassionateforceinthisspace,drivenbypersonal experiencesthatshapedherbeliefinnaturalhealing.Her leadershipisdeeplyrootedinresilience,authenticity,anda relentlesspursuitofsolutionsthatgenuinelyhelppeople. Ratherthanfollowingconventionalbusinessmodels,she focusesonhumanimpact,ensuringthateverydecision reflectsintegrityandcare.Sheunderstandsthestrugglesof individualsdealingwithchronicconditionsandisdedicated tocreatingproductsthatofferreliefandrestoration.Her approachblendsintuitionwithevidence,embracinga growthmindsetthatallowshertobridgethegapbetween natureandscience.Throughherwork,sheintroduces effectiveremediesanddevelopsadeeperunderstandingof self-careandwell-being.
ChucklingGoathasbecomeatrustednameinnatural health,knownforitscommitmenttoguthealth,ethical farming,andscientificcollaboration.Whatbeganasa personaljourneydevelopedintoapurpose-drivenenterprise thathelpsthousandsworldwide.Thecompany’sprobiotic kefir,skincareproducts,andresearch-backedinitiatives reflectadedicationtobothtraditionandinnovation.Ithas cultivatedaloyalcommunityofindividualsseekingnatural alternativesbyprioritizingqualityandtransparency.Its partnershipswithleadinginstitutionsfurtherreinforceits credibility,positioningitasaleaderinmergingancestral knowledgewithscientificadvancements.Astheindustry grows,ChucklingGoatremainssteadfastinitsmissionto offersolutionsthatempowerindividualsontheirpathto wellness.
Let’s explore Shann’s ethical and sustainable approaches to wellness:
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Shann is passionate about expanding the reach of natural health solutions while deepening scientific research.
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DiscoveringtheHealingPotentialofNature
TheturningpointofShann'sjourneycamewhenher husband,Rich,fellcriticallyillwithalife-threatening MRSAinfectionthatantibioticscouldn’tcure.Watching someoneshelovedstrugglewhileconventionalmedicine failedwasterrifying.Sheturnedtonaturalremedies, researchingkefirandgoat’smilk.
LivingonasmallfarminWaleswithnobackgroundin healthorfarming,shelearnedtomakekefir,incorporate essentialoils,andformulateskinbalms.Theseremedies helpedhealRich’sinfection.Thatexperiencechanged everythingforShann.Shesawthepowerofnaturefirsthand andfeltcompelledtoshareit.Whatbeganasadesperate attempttosaveherhusbandbecameChucklingGoat—a journeyofdiscovery,healing,andempowerment.
CreatingaLegacyofPositiveImpact
Successisn’tjustaboutbusinessmilestonesbutthe personalstoriesofhealingChucklingGoathearsdaily Shannfeelsfulfilledwhencustomersmentionthat ChucklingGoatchangedtheirlivesbyhelpingwithchronic skinconditions,supportingguthealth,orrestoring confidence.
Onememorablemomentiswhenamothermentionedthat theproductsfinallybroughtrelieftoherlittleboy’ssevere eczemaafteryearsoftryingeverything.Anothernotable momentwasreceivingtheMBEforCharityandInnovation intheKing’sNewYear’sHonoursList2024.Thathonor wasn’tShann'salone;itbelongedtotheamazingteam behindChucklingGoat.Ultimately,successismeasuredby thepositiveimpactcreatedandthelegacybuilt.
“ “ Through her work, Shann introduces effective remedies and develops a deeper understanding of self-care and well-being.
CreatingRemedieswithCompassionandIntegrity
ResiliencewasforgedduringRich’sillness.Watchinghim fightforhislifewhileconventionalmedicinefailedtaught Shannresourcefulnessandperseverance.Compassion inspiredhertocreateremediesthathavesinceimproved manylives.Authenticityandintegrityhavebeencentralto herwork—sheonlycreatesproductsshewoulduseforher ownfamily.
Livingonafarmdeepenedherrespectfornature,while collaboratingwithinstitutionslikeCambridgeUniversity helpedherbridgetraditionalwisdomwithmodernscience. Agrowthmindsethasallowedhertoadaptandovercome challenges.Aboveall,gratitudekeepshermovingforward. Everystoryofhealingreinforceshersenseofpurpose.
BlendingTraditionalRemedieswithModernResearch
Rich’sMRSAbattledemonstratedthatconventional medicinedoesn’talwayshavetheanswers.Shannturnedto naturalremedies—kefir,essentialoils,andherbal solutions—outofnecessity.Witnessingtheirsuccesswhere nothingelsehadbeeneffectivewastransformative.Living onafarmreinforcedherloveofsustainability,purity,and workinginharmonywithnature.
Atthesametime,shesoughtscientificvalidation,leading tocollaborationswithCambridgeUniversityandthe developmentofascientificadvisoryboardthatincludes distinguishedscientistsfromaroundtheglobe.Chuckling Goat’sphilosophyblendsnatureandscience,honoring traditionalremedieswhileembracingmodernresearch. Healingisnotjustaboutproducts;itisaboutbuildingtrust, creatingconnections,andempoweringpeopletotake controloftheirhealth.
Mission-DrivenBusinessDecisions
ForShann,themissionalwayscomesfirst.Everybusiness decisionisguidedbyonequestion:“Is this going to help someone?” Ifnot,itisnotpursued,nomatterhow profitableitmightbe.Atthesametime,asustainable businessmodelallowsthecompanytoreachmorepeople. Thatmeanshiringteammemberswhosharethevision, investinginresearch,andmaintainingpersonalconnections withcustomers.Thereisneveracompromiseoningredient integrityormethodsforthesakeofmargins.Ultimately, businesssuccessandmissiongohandinhand—thebetter thecompanydoes,themorepeopleitcanhelp.
GratitudeandMotivationfromSuccessStories
Shefeelshumbledanddeeplyrewardedwhenshelearns thathereffortscontributetoothers’well-being.Hearing fromcustomerswhohavefoundreliefafteryearsof struggleisindescribable.KnowingthatChucklingGoat's productsbringhopetothosewhofeeltheyhaverunoutof optionsgivesherpurpose.
Thisisn’tjustbusiness;it’saboutcreatingarippleeffectof positivechange.Healingonepersoncantransformafamily oracommunity.It’saprivilegetobepartofsomeone’s wellnessjourney,anditreinforcesherbeliefinthepowerof naturalremedies.EverysuccessstoryfillsShannwith gratitudeandmotivation.
Self-CareforBusinessandMissionFulfillment
Stayingconnectedtocustomersisessential.Theirstories fuelShann'spassion,especiallyontoughdays.Thefarm alsokeepshergrounded—spendingtimewiththegoatsor walkingintheWelshcountrysideremindsherwhyshe started.Practicinggratitudehelpsmaintainperspective.She hasalsolearnedtosetboundariesandprioritizeself-care.
Takingmomentstorecharge,whetherthroughmeditation, familytime,orquietreflection,allowshertofullyshowup forthebusinessanditsmission.Ultimately,itisabout keepingthe“why”attheheartofeverythingshedoes.
CompassionandResilienceinDecision-Making
AuthenticityisShann'sfoundation.Everydecisionabouta product,partnership,orpersonalchoicemustalignwithher values.Transparencyandintegrityarenon-negotiable;trust iseverything.Compassiondriveshertocreateproductsthat genuinelyhelppeople.Resiliencehasshapedherjourney, teachinghertoperseverethroughsetbacks.
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“ Shann’s approach blends intuition with evidence, embracing a growth mindset that allows her to bridge the gap between nature and science.
Connection—topeople,nature,andpurpose—keepsher anchored.Gratitudefuelsherworkandremindsherofthe impactbeingmade.Thesevaluesformthefoundationof everydecisionshemakes,ensuringthatChucklingGoat remainstruetoitsmission.
MakingKnowledgeAccessibleandImpactful
Sheispassionateaboutexpandingthereachofnatural healthsolutionswhiledeepeningscientificresearch.Akey focusisadvancingunderstandingofguthealthandits connectiontooverallwell-being.Collaboratingwith universitiesandconductingclinicalstudieswillhelpbuild thebridgebetweennature'spowerandscience'sefficacy.
Anotheraspirationistomakethisknowledge accessible—throughworkshops,books,oronlinecourses. Shannstrivesforbalance,ensuringshecancontinue makinganimpactwithoutburningout.Writingand mentoringothers,particularlywomenentrepreneursand healthadvocates,isalsoessentialtoher.Ultimately,she wantstoliveinalignmentwithhervalueswhilecreating meaningful,lastingchange.
Purpose-DrivenVisionandGratitude
AccordingtoShannbuildingameaningfulandimpactful liferequiresacombinationofpersonalqualitiesthatallow onetosteerchallenges,connectwithothers,andstaytrueto theirpurpose.ForShann,afewkeyattributesstandout:
• Resilience:Lifeisfullofunexpectedtwistsandturns, andresiliencekeepsonemovingforward.Whenher husbandfellillandshewasfacedwiththechallenge ofcreatingnaturalremediestosavehislife,resilience helpedherdigdeep,learnnewskills,andtrustthe process.
Itisaboutbouncingbackstrongerfromsetbacksandseeing challengesasopportunitiesforgrowth.
• Authenticity:Stayingtruetooneselfandone'sbeliefs isessential.ForShann,authenticitymeansbeing honestaboutherjourney,embracingimperfections, andensuringthatChucklingGoatreflectshervalues. Whenoneoperatesfromaplaceofauthenticity, peopleconnectonadeeperlevel,andtheworkcarries moresignificantmeaning.
• CuriosityandaGrowthMindset:Adesiretolearn andexploreiscriticalforbuildingsomething impactful.Shanndidn’tstartasahealthexpertora farmer,butcuriositydrovehertolearneverythingshe couldaboutnaturalremediesandguthealth.A willingnesstoembracenewideasandadaptiswhat keepsonegrowing.
• Compassion:Impactcomesfromcaring—about people,animals,theplanet,andoneself.Compassion isattheheartofeverythingdoneatChucklingGoat. Whethersupportingcustomersontheirhealing journeysorcreatingsustainableproducts,compassion ensuresthattheworkmakesadifference.
• Integrity:Tocreatesomethingmeaningful,oneneeds toactwithintegrityineverydecision.Thismeans stayingcommittedtoone'sprinciples,evenwhenthey aredifficultorunprofitable.Forexample,Chuckling Goatnevercompromisesonthequalityofitsproducts becausetrustisthefoundationofeverythingdone.
• VisionandPurpose:Havingaclearsenseofpurpose givesone'slifedirectionandfuelsone'sactions.For Shann,thatpurposeishelpingpeoplehealand improvingtheirqualityoflife.Astrongvisioninspires onetokeepgoing,evenwhentheroadistough.
• Gratitude:Gratitudekeepsonegroundedand remindsoneofthebiggerpicture.Takingthetimeto reflectonthelivestouchedthroughChucklingGoat fillsShannwithasenseoffulfillmentandmotivates hertokeepgivingherbest.
Ultimately,itisaboutcombiningthesequalitiestostay alignedwithone'smissionwhilebeingflexibleenoughto adapttolife’suncertainties.Buildingameaningfuland impactfullifeisajourney,notadestination,andhowone showsupeverydaymakesallthedifference.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in a Competitive Market
Thelandscapeofentrepreneurshipisrapidlyevolving,and
womenareincreasinglyattheforefrontofthis transformation.Womenentrepreneursarenotonlydriving innovationbutalsomakingsignificanteconomiccontributions acrossdiversesectors.However,despitenotableprogress,they continuetofacesystemicbarriersthathindertheirgrowthand competitiveness.Empoweringwomenentrepreneursina competitivemarketrequiresaddressingthesechallengeswith targetedstrategies,robustsupportsystems,andacommitmentto genderequity
Women’sEntrepreneurialGrowth:ASnapshot
Women-ledbusinessesareontheriseglobally.Inmanycountries, womenleadmillionsofsmallbusinesses,accountingfora significantportionoftheSMEsector Thesebusinessescollectively contributetrillionstotheeconomyandemploymillions, underscoringthetransformativepotentialofwomenentrepreneurs.
Despitethesegains,womenremainunderrepresentedamonghighrevenuefirms,andthegendergapinentrepreneurialactivity persists.Thisdisparityisevenmorepronouncedforwomenof color,whofacecompoundedchallengesduetosystemicwealth gapsandlimitedaccesstocapital.
KeyChallengesinaCompetitiveMarket
Womenentrepreneursfaceauniquesetofobstaclesthatcanimpede theirabilitytocompeteandthrive:
• LimitedAccesstoCapital:Women-ownedbusinessesoften startwithandraiselesscapitalthanmale-ownedfirms, restrictingtheirabilitytoscaleandcompeteeffectively
• ConcentrationinLower-RevenueIndustries:Manywomen entrepreneursoperateinsectorswithloweraveragerevenues, whichcanlimitgrowthopportunities.
• RestrictedAccesstoNetworksandMentorship: Womenfrequentlylackaccesstoinfluentialnetworks andmentors,whicharecriticalforgainingindustry insights,forgingpartnerships,andnavigatingcomplex markets.
• MarketingandMarketAccessBarriers:Limited trainingandexperienceinstrategicmarketing,coupled withinsufficientmarketinformation,hindermany womenfromeffectivelypromotingtheirproductsand services.
• BalancingFamilyandBusinessResponsibilities: Societalexpectationsandlackofaffordablechildcare createadditionalpressures,makingitchallengingfor womentodevotetimeandresourcestotheir businesses.
• DigitalDivideandTechnologyGaps:Alackofdigital skillsandaccesstotechnologycanpreventwomen fromleveragingonlineplatformsanddigitalmarketing, whichareincreasinglyvitalintoday’scompetitive market.
• GenderBiasandStereotypes:Persistentbiasesin businesstransactions,leadershipperceptions,and fundingdecisionscontinuetodisadvantagewomen entrepreneurs.
StrategiesforEmpowermentandSuccess
Empoweringwomenentrepreneurstosucceedina competitivemarketrequiresamulti-prongedapproach:
ExpandingAccesstoCapital
• Promotealternativefinancingoptionssuchas crowdfunding,angelinvestorsfocusedonfemale-led startups,andwomen-centricbusinessgrants.
• Encouragefinancialinstitutionstoaddressbiasesand developtailoredproductsforwomenentrepreneurs.
BuildingStrongNetworksandMentorship
• Facilitateaccesstoprofessionalnetworks,industry associations,andmentorshipprogramsthatconnect womenwithexperiencedbusinessleaders.
• Highlightsuccessfulwomenentrepreneursasrole modelstoinspireandguidethenextgeneration.
EnhancingDigitalLiteracyandTechnologyAdoption
• Investintrainingprogramsfocusedondigital marketing,e-commerce,anddataanalyticstobridge thedigitalskillsgap.
• Supportwomeninadoptingnewtechnologiesthatcan streamlineoperationsandopennewmarket opportunities.
ImprovingMarketAccessandMarketingSkills
• Providetargetedtraininginstrategicmarketing,market research,andbrandingtohelpwomenentrepreneurs effectivelyreachnewcustomers.
• Createplatformsthatconnectwomen-owned businesseswithlargersupplychains,government contracts,andcorporateprocurementopportunities.
AdvocatingforPolicyandInstitutionalSupport
• Pushforpoliciesthatpromotesupplierdiversity, genderequityinfunding,andrepresentationin decision-makingbodies.
• Ensurelegalandregulatoryframeworkssupport women’sparticipationandprotectagainst discrimination.
AddressingWork-LifeBalanceandSocietalBarriers
• Expandaccesstoaffordablechildcareandflexible workarrangementstoenablewomentobalancefamily andbusinessresponsibilities.
• Challengeculturalstereotypesandpromotepositive narrativesaroundwomen’sleadershipand entrepreneurship.
TheRoadAhead:UnlockingUntappedPotential
Despitepersistentbarriers,womenentrepreneurscontinue todemonstrateremarkableresilienceandresourcefulness. Theirbusinessesareknownforagility,innovation,and responsivenesstomarketchanges,offeringuniquevaluein today’sdynamiceconomy Withtargetedsupport,increased visibility,andacommitmenttoremovingsystemicbarriers, women-ownedbusinessescanplayanevenmore instrumentalroleindrivingeconomicgrowthand innovation.
Empoweringwomenentrepreneursisnotjustamatterof equity-itisastrategicimperativeforbuildingamore inclusive,competitive,andprosperousmarket.Byinvesting inwomen’sentrepreneurialpotential,societiesand economiesstandtogainimmeasurably,unlockingnew opportunitiesforgrowth,jobcreation,andsocialprogress.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in the Digital Age
Thedigitalrevolutionhasfundamentallytransformedthe
landscapeofentrepreneurship,openingnewavenuesfor womentolaunch,grow,andscaletheirbusinesses.Yet, despitethepromiseoftechnology,womenentrepreneurscontinueto faceuniquechallengesthathindertheirfullparticipationinthe digitaleconomy.Empoweringwomeninthiserarequiresa multifacetedapproach-combiningaccesstofinance,digitaltools, supportivepolicies,andaconcertedefforttodismantlesystemic barriers.
TheDigitalOpportunityforWomenEntrepreneurs
Digitaltechnologieshavedemocratizedaccesstomarkets, resources,andknowledge,enablingwomentoovercometraditional barrierssuchasgeographicalisolationandlimitedmobility.Social mediaplatformsanddigitalmarketingstrategies,forinstance,allow womenentrepreneurstobuildbrandawareness,engagewith customers,andmarkettheirproductsorservicesglobally Targeted advertisingandinfluencercollaborationsfurtherempowerwomento createandpromotetheirbrandsininnovativeways.
Financialtechnologieshavealsoplayedapivotalroleinpromoting financialinclusion.Onlinebanking,mobilepaymentsolutions,and crowdfundingplatformsofferaccessibleandefficientwaysfor womentomanagefinances,receivefunding,andconduct transactions-functionsthatwereonceoutofreachformanydueto traditionalbankinglimitations.
Remotecollaborationtoolsandcloudcomputinghavebecome essentialforrunningbusinessesinthedigitalage,allowingwomen entrepreneurstoconnectwithteammembers,collaborators,and clientsworldwide.Thesetoolsfacilitateflexibleworkarrangements, helpingwomenbalancebusinesswithotherresponsibilities.
PersistentBarriersintheDigitalAge
Despitetheseopportunities,womenentrepreneursencounter significantchallengesinthedigitalrealm.Thedigitalgenderdivide remainspronounced,withwomenlesslikelytohaveaccesstohigh-
speedinternet,digitaldevices,andtechnicalsupport.This lackofinfrastructurecanlimittheirabilitytomarket businessesonline,reachnewcustomers,andaccessvital resources.
Culturalandsocialbarrierscompoundthesechallenges. Genderstereotypes,patriarchalattitudes,andsocietal expectationscanrestrictwomen’sabilitytonetwork,seek mentorship,andbuildrelationshipsonline-criticalfactors forbusinessgrowth.Inmanyregions,womenmaybe discouragedfrompursuingentrepreneurship,especiallyin male-dominatedsectors,ormaylackfamilysupportfor theirventures.
Accesstofinanceisanotherpersistenthurdle.Onlyasmall percentageofventurecapitalfundinggoestofemale-led startups,highlightingthepersistentgendergapinaccessto capital.Withoutadequatefunding,womenentrepreneurs struggletoinvestintechnologyandmarketingneededto growtheirbusinessesonline.
PolicyandInstitutionalSupport:BridgingtheGap
Recognizingthesebarriers,governmentsandorganizations worldwideareimplementingtargetedpoliciestoempower womenentrepreneursinthedigitalage.InIndia,several governmentschemessuchastheUdyoginiScheme,Stand UpIndia,andAnnapurnaSchemefocusonproviding financialassistance,training,andopportunitiesforwomen tobuildandsustaintheirbusinesses.Theseinitiativesare complementedbybroaderdigitalinfrastructureprojectslike DigitalIndiaandtheWomenEntrepreneurshipPlatform (WEP),whichaimtoenhancenetworking,digitalliteracy, andaccesstoresources.
Internationally,bestpracticesincluderobustmentorship programs,innovation-focusedgrants,andtechnologydriventraining,asseenincountrieswithstrongsupportfor womeninbusiness.Theseprogramsemphasizenotonly financialsupportbutalsoskilldevelopmentandaccessto networks-keyingredientsforentrepreneurialsuccess.
StrategicRecommendationsforEmpowerment
Totrulyempowerwomenentrepreneursinthedigitalage,a comprehensivestrategyisessential:
• IncreaseCreditAvailability:Encourageprivatesector lendingtowomen-ledMSMEsandtrackeconomic empowermentoutcomes.
• IntegrateFinancialandNon-FinancialSupport: Combinefinancialserviceswithmentoring,peer learning,andbusinesseducationforgreaterimpact.
• PromoteDigitalPublicInfrastructure:Investin digitalidentitysystemsandpaymentplatformsto enablewomen’sfullparticipationintheformal economy.
• BridgetheDigitalGenderDivide:Ensureequitable accesstointernet,devices,andtechnicalsupport, especiallyinunderservedregions.
• FosterDigitalSkillsandSafety:Expanddigital literacy,onlinesafety,andAItrainingprograms tailoredtowomenentrepreneurs.
• SimplifyAccesstoE-Commerce:Lowerbarriersto entryondigitalplatformsthroughstreamlined registration,reducedfees,andtailoredsupportfor women-ownedbusinesses.
• EncourageInclusivePolicymaking:Involvewomen entrepreneursindigitalpolicydialoguestoensuretheir voicesareheardandtheirneedsaddressed.
Conclusion
Empoweringwomenentrepreneursinthedigitalageisnot justamatterofequity-itisaneconomicimperative.By leveragingdigitaltools,supportivepolicies,andtargeted interventions,societiescanunlockthefullpotentialof women-ledbusinesses,drivinginnovation,jobcreation,and inclusivegrowth.Thepathforwarddemandscollaboration acrossgovernments,theprivatesector,andcivilsocietyto ensurethatthedigitaleconomyworksforeveryone, especiallywomenentrepreneurswhoarereadytoleadin thisnewera.
"A woman is like a tea bag - her strength becomes evident when she is placed in challenging situations."
