UN Trade and Development introduces four new advocates, reinvigorating efforts to create a gender-equal digital space with more female e-retailers at the policy table.
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UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) centers women's voices as they advocate for a digital economy that benefits all.
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Six activists accepted into the 2024-2025 cohort will help shape policies to promote gender equality in the digital age.
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Strengthening women's digital entrepreneurship is crucial for inclusive development, especially for developing countries.
Six women entrepreneurs will serve as a cohort of advocates for the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)-led eTrade for Women initiative from 2024 to 2025.
Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan announced the appointment in Geneva on May 6, highlighting the crucial role of women digital entrepreneurs in driving innovation, job creation and economic growth.
Hailing from developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, these women entrepreneurs are pioneers in technology and advocates for women's empowerment through e-commerce and the digital economy.
© UNCTAD | The six female entrepreneurs are the fifth cohort of advocates since the launch of the eTrade for Women initiative in 2019.
The newest lineup welcomes four new advocates: Vena Arielle Ahouansou from Benin, Hilda Moraa from Kenya, Angeline Tham from the Philippines and Ajaita Shah from India.
They will work with two existing lawyers, Yasmine Abdel Karim of Egyptand Ana Maria Sandoval of Colombia – both will remain in their positions for another year.
Meet the new advocates
Vena Arielle Ahouansou, co-founder and CEO of Kea Medicals (Cotonou, Benin), is a doctor and entrepreneur who uses technology to improve healthcare services and optimize resource utilization in this key sector. She is the new champion of French-speaking Africa.
Hilda Moraa, Founder and CEO of Pezesha (Nairobi, Kenya), is a visionary leader developing innovative financial solutions to empower women entrepreneurs across Africa. She is the new champion of English-speaking Africa.
Angeline Tham, Co-founder and CEO of Angkas (Manila, Philippines) is a leading entrepreneur in the ride-hailing industry. It uses digital technologies to help build a safer and more inclusive transport sector. She is the new advocate for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
Ajita Shah, co-founder and CEO of Frontier Markets (Jaipur, India), is a social entrepreneur whose e-commerce platform helps bridge the digital divide for women in rural areas. She is the first woman lawyer to be appointed for South Asia.
Unlocking the potential of women in the digital economy
As a core element of their mandate, advocates will help address the persistent gender gap in the digital economy, which stands in the way of sustainable and inclusive development.
“Advocates can help draw attention to the ongoing challenges women face in accessing finance, technology and markets,” said Shamika N. Sirimanne, director of technology and logistics at UN Trade and Development.
“Her insights and leadership will be instrumental in shaping policies that promote gender equality in the digital age.”
Women's leadership in the digital economy is also high on the agenda of the 7th meeting of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on E-Commerce and the Digital Economy, taking place in Geneva on May 6 and 8 and bringing together diplomats, businesses and representatives civil society participate participation.
At the meeting, Latin America and the Caribbean lawyer Ana Maria Sandoval pushed for efforts to enable women in developing countries to better contribute to and benefit from the booming digital economy.
Ms. Sandoval spoke on a panel discussion on building digital skills and readiness alongside Cambodian Trade Minister Cham Nimul and Mauritanian Minister of Digital Transformation, Innovation and Modernization Mohamed Abdallahi Louly.
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