International Women's Economic Conference

Women Business

Council in Georgia ¨ ¡ © ¡ ¤

CONNECTING WOMEN FOR ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

DEC14-15. TBILISI

Conference Brochure 2023

This brochure was developed by Women Business Council in Georgia with the support from Center for International Private Enterprise and funded by the U.S. Department of State Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues. All opinions are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the United States Government or CIPE.

INDEX The Center for International Private Enterprise

4

PROFILES Albania: National Professional and Business Women, and Crafts Association

8 8 Armenia: Union of Women Employers of Yerevan and Neighboring Regions 9 Azerbaijan: Young Accountants Public Union 9 Azerbaijan: Magen David International Center for Women 10 Azerbaijan: Support for Women’s Development and Education Public Union 10 Bulgaria: Association of Women Entrepreneurs in Bulgaria “Selena” 11 Bosnia and Herzegovina: Association of Business Women in Bosnia and Herzegovina 11 Georgia: Women Business Council in Georgia 12 Kazakhstan: Alliance of Women’s Power in Kazakhstan 12 Kazakhstan: Union of Women Entrepreneurs Kazakhstan 13 Kyrgyz Republic: Public Foundation “Women’s Peace Bank” 13 Kyrgyz Republic: Women’s Forum Kurak 14 Kyrgyz Republic: Public Union “Women’s Entrepreneurship Development Fund” (She Starts) 14 Albania: Women’s Economic Chamber of Albania

Moldova: Association of Women Entrepreneurs in Moldova Serbia: Association of Business Women in Serbia Slovakia: Female Algorithm

15 15

Uzbekistan: International Association of Businesswomen “Tadbirkor ael”

16 16 17 17 18 18

Uzbekistan: Women’s Community Uzbekistan

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Tajikistan: Association “Women and Society” Tajikistan: Union of Private Sector Development of Tajikistan Turkmenistan: Women in Business Ukraine: Ukrainian Women in Business Platform

WE-Champs: Strengthening the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem by Networking Regional Women’s Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2024

Background Information

COUNTRIES

systemic barriers to women’s political and economic participation,

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Montenegro, Nigeria, Senegal, Serbia, Slovakia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

regional variations in the capacity of women's chambers and

LOCAL PARTNERS

Women’s economic empowerment is a multiplier for economic growth and stability as well as gender equity and equality. To address

associations, and urgent challenges for women in business posed by COVID-19, WE-Champs will build the capacities of women’s chambers and associations across Europe, Central Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa to support and represent the interests of women. This will be achieved through training and mentorship, regional networking and learning, as well as public outreach, leadership, and advocacy support. WEChamps is guided by CIPE's decades of experience in building the capacities of women’s chambers and associations and the belief that women’s chambers and associations have an important role to play in driving transformation in a demand-driven, culturally sensitive, and impactful way.

Support for Women's Economic Security In January 2023, the U.S. State Department launched the U.S. Strategy on Global Women’s Economic Security. The Strategy outlines the U.S. Government’s guiding principles for women’s economic security, which include intersectionality, interconnected priorities, evidence-based programming, and locally-led partnerships. In addition to aligning with the new Strategy’s approach to women’s economic security, the WE-Champs project also advances the Strategy’s key priorities. These priorities include improving women’s

Albania: Association of Professional Business and Artisan Women Albania: Woman’s Economic Chamber in Albania Bosnia and Herzegovina: Association of Business Women in Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria: The Association of Women Entrepreneurs in Bulgaria “Selena” Georgia: Women Business Council of Georgia Kazakhstan: Alliance of Women's Power in Kazakhstan Kazakhstan: Union of Women Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan Kosovo: Association of Women in the Energy Sector of Kosovo Kyrgyzstan: Women's Entrepreneurship Development Fund Public Union Kyrgyzstan: Women's Forum Kurak Kyrgyzstan: Women's Peace Bank Public Foundation Moldova: The Association of Women Entrepreneurs in Moldova Serbia: Association of Business Women in Serbia Slovakia: Association of Business Women and Managers Slovakia: Female Algorithm Tajikistan: Association Women and Society Tajikistan: Union of Private Sector Development in Turkmenistan: Women in Business Association in Turkmenistan Ukraine: Ukrainian Platform "Women in Business” Uzbekistan: Association of Businesswomen of Uzbekistan Uzbekistan: Women's Community

access to skills development, promoting women’s entrepreneurship,

DONOR

and dismantling systemic barriers to women’s participation in the

Department of State; The Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues (S/GWI)

economy.

Key Objectives Women’s economic security is increased through support for women’s chambers of commerce and business associations.

Locally designed and led responses build gender-responsive institutions and meet the needs of women members, in all their diversity.

Participating organizations form a regional network, advocacy platforms are strengthened, and local ownership is fostered.

Expected Results Women’s chambers and business associations increase their capacities to address the needs of their members and advocate for better business enabling environments for women, bolstering women’s economic security.

Women’s chambers and business associations form regional networks to address systemic barriers to women’s full economic participation.

Women’s chambers and business associations lead evidencebased advocacy campaigns for gender-equitable reforms in member-identified priority areas.

The Center for International Private Enterprise The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) is a non-profit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Center for Women’s Economic Empowerment (CWEE) at CIPE advances gender equality in emerging markets to build more inclusive, thriving economies that deliver for all citizens. CWEE consolidates nearly four decades of experience to promote women’s leadership and improve their economic conditions through private sector engagement, advocacy, and partnerships with governments and civil society.

1211 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20036 WEB: cipe.org | cwee.cipe.org TWITTER: @cipe_eea | @cipewomen FACEBOOK: @europeandeurasiadepartmentatcipe | @cipedc CONTACTS: Anna Goltermann | Program Officer DC | agoltermann@cipe.org Elena Ratoi | Program Officer Europe | eratoi@cipe.org Shalala Kamilova | Program Officer Central Asia | skamilova@cipe.org

The Center for International Private Enterprise The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) is a businessoriented NGO working at the intersection of democracy, governance and economic development, partnering with business associations, think tanks and other organizations to implement homegrown, private sector solutions to local challenges. CIPE’s mission is to strengthen democracy through private enterprise and market-oriented reform, fulfilling a vision of a world where democracy delivers the freedom and opportunity for all to prosper. Founded in 1983 and based in Washington, DC, CIPE is active in over 80 countries with a worldwide network of civil society and private sector partners, and field offices and representatives in 30 countries, including across Europe and Eurasia. In 40 years, CIPE has carried out more than 2,000 projects in over 100 countries. CIPE’s programs are funded by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the US State Department and USAID, and CIPE has implemented projects supported by numerous other donors. CIPE’s core focus areas are: Anti-Corruption and Ethics; Business Advocacy; Democratic Governance; Enterprise Ecosystems; Trade; and Women’s Economic Empowerment. CIPE is an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a core institute of the NED.

Barbara Langley Director of Center for Women’s Economics Empowernment, CIPE

Elena Ratoi Program Officer for Europe, CIPE

Shalala Kamilova Program Manager, Eurasia, CIPE

Aygun Aliyeva

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Regional Coordinator, Europe and Eurasia, CIPE

Women Business

Council in Georgia ¨ ¡ © ¡ ¤

www.wbcg.org

Bridge of Peace, Tbilisi

Mihail photography

ALBANIA National Professional and Business Women, and Crafts Association www.shgpaz.al.com

SHGPAZ was founded since 1992 de facto and registered on 16 May 1994 as NGO, non-governmental, independent association which operates in all areas of Albania, to assist women in business through information, formation, training, lobbing to the improvement of policy-making in all levels. SHGPAZ has established a network of 12 districts in which are involved women in business, handcrafters and managers. In order to be able at responding in time to the current issues and public matters, SHGPAZ established a flexible and functional management structure by developing strong teams of in-house experts which are indispensable in the dissemination of research results and policy recommendations.

Flutura Xhabija CEO and President

ALBANIA Women’s Economic Chamber of Albania

The Women’s Economic Chamber of Albania (WECA) represents the common interest of a group of women entrepreneurs and professionals to influence society for the empowerment of women entrepreneurship in Albania. Its mission is to empower women in entrepreneurship as promoters of the economy, contributing to all decision-making processes of economic issues.

The Chamber is providing services through informative sessions, events and forums, capacity building activities conducted online and in person, and promoting business of their members through social media and different activities.

The Chamber has around 3 years of activity and worked to expand its membership geographically outside of Tirana. Today, WECA counts around 120 successful businesswomen and young entrepreneurs throughout Albania.

Merita Muçaj Team Member

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ARMENIA Union of Woman Employers of Yerevan and Neighboring Regions www.uwearm.org

Susanna Khalatyan President

The Union of Women Employers of Yerevan and Neighboring Regions’’ was founded in 2013, it is a non-profit organization, it is a legal entity. “The Union of Women Employers of Yerevan and the Regions” is an association of women - heads of enterprises and firms in Armenia. Women’s entrepreneurship in Armenia is gradually gaining momentum, becoming a modern trend, and contributing to the growth of the economy. Women entrepreneurs successfully participate in all sectors of the economy - production, textile industry, agricultural processing, IT technologies, financial structures, services - medical, hygienic / sports profile, and of course, social significance - these are kindergartens, schools, etc. At the same time, they have a significant contribution to employment, employment - the creation of jobs, which is today a social problem at the state level. The proportion of women who want to open their own business is steadily growing, there is a need to support such a women’s initiative. The organization have about 50 members from different sectors of the economy.

AZERBAIJAN Young Accountants Public Union www.gmib.az

The Young Accountants Public Union in Azerbaijan (YAPA) is a professional organization whose main objective is to improve and develop the professional skills of accountants in Azerbaijan. YAPU is one of the three organizations that provide certification for professional accountants In Azerbaijan.

YAPU has to main goals: to ensure that accounting standards in Azerbaijan are in line with international accounting standards (IFRS, IAS and etc.), and to provide assistance to local entrepreneurs to meet these standards.

Working with the women is a very important part of YAPU’s activity – over the past years we organized several trainings and support activities for the women.

Membership in YAPU is inclusive: in addition to accountants the organization is open to all representatives of the accountancy profession including tax consultants and bookkeepers.

Solmaz Aliyeva Director

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AZERBAIJAN Magen David International Center for Women

Magen David International Center for Women combines international resources among women doctors, lawyers, teachers and businesswomen operating under the Magen David Group, promotes various activities for women and children, legal consultation, training, education, branding and promotion for women, sales and investment opportunities, establishment of cooperative relations.

International Women’s Center Model is adapted to the local culture and needs. Key programs include training and mentoring programs to improve literacy and livelihoods. In addition, medical and psychological support initiatives are implemented.

The organization also promote charitable activities for women and children as a corporate social responsibility. These activities focus on empowering women and youth to achieve gender equality.

Aygun Ahmadova Director

AZERBAIJAN Support for Women’s Development and Education Public Union

The organization was registered on April 29, 2016. With the slogan “From Women to Women”, women members from regions and cities, from various sectors (medicine, business, agriculture, women of martyrs and veterans, from vulnerable groups, women with disabilities) work together to support each other.

The goal is to protect women’s rights, educate them on various topics, ensure women’s employment, create conditions for their networking, and support their development.

Currently, the organization implements women’s business development program, international coaching program, fashion academy, community development program and mentoring projects.

Aygun Agamalı Chairperson, Entrepreneur, Fashion & Interior Designer

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BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA Association of Business Women in Bosnia and Herzegovina www.upzbih.ba www.poduzetna.ba

The Association of Business Women in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is the oldest and most respected organization of its kind in the country. It was founded by several successful businesswomen with the aim of connecting, supporting, and educating women in business ventures. The Association promotes women’s entrepreneurship through annual education programs, conferences, and mentoring activities. Special emphasis is placed on supporting women from rural areas. Activities also include organizing conferences, seminars, and public advocacy. The Association encourages courage, networking, and collective growth in the business world.

Dženisa Delalić Project Coordinator

BULGARIA Association of Women Entrepreneurs in Bulgaria “Selena” www.selenabulgaria.com

EKATERINA DOTSEVA

Selena was founded in 2006 by a group of professional women with diverse experiences, with the objective to create synergies in order to identify development opportunities for the economy of Bulgaria at an international level.

Selena consists of women entrepreneurs, provides training, support services, consulting in professional career and business development, HR counselling, promoting and co-ordinating access to European funds, providing information on issues and current events regarding the development of women entrepreneurship. Selena has wide experience in need analyzes and professional training programs for women entrepreneurs or women that want to become such. The mission of the Association is to rise the awareness of the society to the topics of women empowerment and equal rights of women participation in social and professional life in Bulgaria. At the present moment Selena gathers 80 members – ladies owners of SME or willing to become entrepreneurs.

Technical assistant

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GEORGIA Women Business Council in Georgia Women Business

Council in Georgia

www.wbcg.org www.weekofart.com

Natia Meparishvili Executive Director of the WBCG, Co-Founder, Associate Professor / PhD, Business and Social Sciences

მეწარმე ქალთა საბჭო საქართველოში

The Women Business Council in Georgia (WBCG) is membership based nonprofit organization founded in 2015. The mission of the Council is to bring together women entrepreneurs / startups and provide opportunities for capacity building, networking and advocacy. The council is the member of Economic Policy Advocacy Coalition (EPAC), member organization of the EECP (European Economic Cooperation Platform and a board member at Georgia Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In 2017 Art Council was established within the organization with the main goal of supporting and developing creative industries inside the country.

WBCG is one of the leading women support organization uniting up to 240 representative members and 470 unpaid members. The members represent micro small and medium size women lead enterprises in various sectors including – services providers, tourism, manufacturing, hospitality, medicine, and creative industry field. The association aims to increase small and medium enterprises (SMEs) competitiveness, inform them about markets and standards, advise women lead SMEs on strategies, provide access to technology and innovation.

KAZAKHSTAN

Alliance of Women’s Power in Kazakhstan www.alliancewomen.kz

The Alliance of Women’s Power in Kazakhstan is a coalition of legal entities and non-governmental organizations that have been working for over 20 years in the field of protecting the rights of women and children, as well as addressing acute social issues.

As of today, the Alliance comprises over 140 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from all regions of the country, focusing on addressing problems related to the violation of women’s and children’s rights, gender inequality, and creating opportunities for the advancement of women in politics, economics, and civic activities.

The Alliance of Women’s Power in Kazakhstan was established in 2019. Currently, the Alliance has a branched structure with branches in more than 17 regions of the country.

Bayan Toikebayeva Deputy Chairperson

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KAZAKHSTAN Union of Women Entrepreneurs Kazakhstan

NGO “Union of Women Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan” a non-profit public organization whose goal is to intensify the process of women’s participation in the economic, political and public life of the country.

Over 21 years of work, we have implemented more than 60 projects, trained more than 4,000 women who received business education, improved leadership skills, political and economic activity, and strengthened their role and significance in the socio-political life of the country.

Cooperation with the National Commission for Women’s Affairs and Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, women’s business associations, local executive bodies, and deputies of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan allows us to identify and update systemic problems in women’s entrepreneurship, and bring them up for discussion at the state level.

Meruyert Kazbekova Chairperson

KYRGYZ REPUBLIC Public Foundation “Women’s Peace Bank”

The Women’s Peace Bank PF works in the field of gender equality, women economic empowerment, supporting and developing women’s entrepreneurship, supporting the civic participation of women and youth in local government, and community development in partnership with local authorities

Gulsana Abytova Director

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KYRGYZ REPUBLIC Women’s Forum Kurak

The Business Association “Women’s Forum Kurak” is a public organization that brings together women from various sectors, including business. Our mission is to support and develop entrepreneurship in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asian countries, improve the economic standard of living for women, their families, as well as their spiritual, personal, and professional growth. Members of “Kurak” Women’s Forum: 70 representatives from various fields and regions.

Nurzhan Azimova Executive Director

KYRGYZ REPUBLIC Public Union “Women’s Entrepreneurship Development Fund” (She Starts)

The organization creates sustainable platforms and empowerment to unlock and realize the potential of young girls and women, especially those from vulnerable groups, to achieve gender equality and economic empowerment.

Public Union “Women’s Entrepreneurship Development Foundation” (She Starts) from 2019 to the present is implementing a number of projects aimed at Economic empowerment and employment of young girls, women.

Makhabat Zhakeeva Executive Director

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MOLDOVA Association of Women Entrepreneurs in Moldova

Ana Gorea AFAM Council Vice President, Founder of “Everest Learning Academy” kindergarten, President of the Children with Rare Diseases and Autism Association,

The Association of Women Entrepreneurs in Moldova (AFAM) is an NGO created in 2013 by 9 founding members and has the mission to support the growth of women potential in entrepreneurship and management in the Republic of Moldova.

AFAM promotes the assertion of women entrepreneurs and women in leadership positions as an important factor in local and national economic development through: encouraging and promoting women who want to start their own businesses; supporting the development and growth of women -owned companies companies; increasing the number of women in leadership positions at different levels; contributing to the development of a favorable business ecosystem for women.

AFAM has carried out over 250 events and projects for members and the general public, having as partners institutions, national and international business associations, external donors in the Republic of Moldova and other key actors in the business environment.

AFAM currently has over 70 members from over 20 business sectors.

SERBIA

Association of Business Women in Serbia www.poslovnezene.org.rs

Manuela Stamatovic

The Association of Business Women in Serbia (ABW) was founded in 1998 and has been operational for 25 years now, being a support and networking group for self-employed women and set up as a not–for-profit, non-political, non-governmental organization.

It is the leading force in organizing women in business, providing first-class support and promotion of female entrepreneurs, advocating improvement of the business climate, and actively fostering networking on a local, regional, and international level.

ABW has evolved into largest national organization for female entrepreneurs which advocates for the improvement of the business climate in Serbia and actively fosters networking for its over 300 organization members and 900 network members Serbian wide on a local, regional, and international level. Within the scope of implementation of more than 165 national and international projects during the last 25 years, ca. 7.800 women have been trained, educated, and supported in areas related to entrepreneurship and (self-) employment.

Member of the ABW, Founder and CEO of Puzzle Consulting

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SLOVAKIA Female Algorithm www.zenskyalgoritmus.sk

Female Algorithm is bringing Slovakia closer to gender equality. The organization is working to break down stereotypes, build bridges, and unlock women’s career potential. Its primary mission is to help women reach their maximum potential at work and educate Slovaks on diversity, inclusion, and information technology. Also, educate youth (mostly girls but also boys) in digital technologies. Using various digital tools boosted organization productivity and collaboration while introducing the learning digital platform project participants or attendees use during the projects or education. The organization’s management has high delivery and project quality standards, which partners, donors, and participants appreciate.

Alzbeta Palkoci Project Manager, Executive Team Member

TAJIKISTAN Association “Women and Society”

AWS mission is aimed at improving the status of women, the socio-economic development of society and promoting the economic and social improvement of society through the provision of mobilization, training, consulting and research services in the field of rights, economics, finance and agriculture.

Nurova Shamsiya Ibragimovna Project Coordinator

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TAJIKISTAN Union of Private Sector Development of Tajikistan

Sitora Zairova Executive Director

The Union of Private Sector Development of Tajikistan is a public, non-profit organization that unites associations and individual commercial and public organizations that promote business development in Tajikistan. The main objective of the organization is to develop a favorable business environment in Tajikistan.

For this purpose, the Union sets goals and tasks that are aimed at: creating a common information (unifying) resource of the business environment; improving the efficiency of business associations-members of the union; improving their organizational structure through consulting and support, providing information and analytical, methodological, legal and other assistance on their professional activities.

The Union was founded in 2013 as an Umbrella Business Association. The main source of funding is made up of membership fees and contributions from member organizations of the Union, as well as technical support from international partner organizations.

The Union unites 86 member-organizations that are represented in various sectors of the economy: agribusiness; construction and mining; textile and clothing sector and industry; universities; tourism, consulting, and IT services.

Turkmenistan Women in Business

The association’s participant database comprises over 60 female entrepreneurs and experts.

Over the eight months of the association’s existence, we have successfully hosted 16 association meetings.

The organization’s primary goals are creating an acceleration program for women’s startups, searching for investors and partners for financing, and carrying out events to attract the attention of investors.

Tatyana Lapko Co-Founder

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UKRAINE Ukrainian Women in Business Platform www.bpc.in.ua/winb The Ukrainian Women in Business Platform was created to bring together women entrepreneurs to develop and popularize women’s entrepreneurship and restore Ukraine.

It is a powerful platform for new acquaintances, development and training, networking, mutual support, exchange of experience, generation of new ideas, implementation of joint projects, and mentoring.

Nadiia Lysetska Founder of the Ukrainian Platform “Women in Business”, President of Business People Club

UZBEKISTAN

International Association of Businesswomen “Tadbirkor ael”

Dinara Yakhyoeva Project Coordinator

18

The Association of businesswomen of Uzbekistan “Tadbirkor ael” was established in 1991 as a non-governmental, non-profit organization.

The aim is to enhance women’s economic and social rights, support entrepreneurial initiatives, utilize financial resources, enhance labor competitiveness, and establish legal mechanisms to improve opportunities and support women entrepreneurs.

One of the first non-governmental organizations in the Republic of Uzbekistan that set the goal of revealing the positive potential of women’s entrepreneurship was the Association of Business Today, the Association of Businesswomen of Uzbekistan unites about 14 regional, 68 district branches, united in a single network, in which about 200 specialists contribute to the expansion of women’s entrepreneurship, improving their economic knowledge, retraining the profession, ensuring the employment of women with useful work by promoting family entrepreneurship.

UZBEKISTAN Women’s Community Uzbekistan

Women’s Community is a women’s development center that was established for the purpose of helping women to develop in such areas as personal growth, motherhood, family relationships, business and career.

The organization has an extensive experience in the field of education and organization of self-development courses.

Our organization strives to support women in all areas of life. We help to unite more experts . Our aim is to find new opportunities and new business partners to develop and extend our community.

Diana Samadinova Managing Director

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Place for Notes

Special edition for the Networking Event