Alibaba.com recently introduced the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in Europe, marking a substantial step in promoting gender equality in business. The initiative is designed to support female entrepreneurship by offering advanced educational training, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
The inaugural group of AWE comprises 40 women entrepreneurs from diverse European regions, selected to participate in a 10-week program. This initiative, crafted to address challenges encountered by women in business, provides mentorship and networking opportunities with industry leaders, investors, and organizations.
AWE is a response to a survey commissioned by Alibaba.com, revealing that 94% of respondents identified gender stereotypes and societal expectations as significant barriers to business leadership.
Michela Rubegni, Marketing Director, Europe at Alibaba.com, emphasized the platform’s dedication to supporting women entrepreneurs. “Our aim is to draw upon our two decades of experience in enabling global trade and provide participants with the necessary support, resources, and networking opportunities to thrive in today’s competitive landscape, overcoming gender-related obstacles,” she stated.
The Academy’s curriculum encompasses essential topics such as leadership, negotiation, strategy, business and financial models, funding, and communications. Participants will engage with a vibrant community of like-minded industry professionals, mentors, and organizations committed to promoting gender equality in decision-making roles.
“By giving women entrepreneurs the tools and knowledge to empower themselves, we believe that we can ultimately contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous global economy,” Rubegni added.
The application portal for AWE is now open, welcoming applications from female business owners or co-owners across the EU. The program activities are scheduled to commence in the fall, providing a valuable opportunity for women entrepreneurs to enhance their skills, expand their networks, and drive meaningful change in the business landscape.
For more information, please visit: seller.alibaba.com/eu/en/awe