Empowering Women Entrepreneurs through Digital Trade and Training ( Global Innovation Forum)

6 Dec 2023 16:30h - 18:00h UTC

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Table of contents

Disclaimer: This is not an official record of the UNCTAD eWeek session. The DiploAI system automatically generates these resources from the audiovisual recording. Resources are presented in their original format, as provided by the AI (e.g. including any spelling mistakes). The accuracy of these resources cannot be guaranteed. The official record of the session can be found on the UNCTAD website.

Full session report

Mercedes Nunez

Mercedes Nunez, an independent consultant, has amassed over 10 years of experience in her field. She has demonstrated her expertise and dedication through her work, making her a trusted professional. Nunez strongly believes in empowering vulnerable communities, with a particular focus on women. This commitment aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 10, which emphasise gender equality and reduced inequalities.

Nunez possesses a wealth of experience in managing programs that aim to empower women and assist vulnerable communities. Her efforts have been felt in various parts of America, where she has implemented initiatives designed to uplift women and provide support to those in need. By leveraging her skills and knowledge, Nunez has worked tirelessly to address the unique challenges faced by vulnerable communities, offering them opportunities for growth and development.

It is evident that Nunez’s work has had a positive impact on the individuals and communities she has served. Her sincere belief in the potential of women and her understanding of the struggles faced by vulnerable groups have driven her to create sustainable change. Through her efforts, Nunez has helped to foster greater gender equality and has taken meaningful steps towards reducing inequalities.

In conclusion, Mercedes Nunez stands out as an exceptional consultant with over a decade of experience. Her dedication to empowering vulnerable communities, especially women, has been demonstrated through her successful implementation of programs in America. Nunez’s work is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, and her commitment to creating positive change is commendable. Through her expertise and passion, she has made remarkable strides in promoting gender equality and reducing inequalities, leaving a lasting impact on the communities she has served.

Hua Wang

Evidence suggests that women founders generate 1.6 times better returns on average than male founders, indicating the profitability of investing in women-led start-ups. Their success can be attributed to their collaborative nature, intelligence, and realistic financial projections. However, male investors often ask more pessimistic questions to women founders, reflecting bias in their perception of female entrepreneurs.

Access to capital presents a significant challenge for women entrepreneurs, especially when their products target women. Female founders struggle to convince male investors to invest in their businesses, highlighting gender bias in funding. Creating awareness about these biases is crucial to address disparities. Female founders face subtle remarks that undermine their self-esteem, hindering their progress.

Governmental accelerator programs play a vital role in supporting entrepreneurship. In Senegal, a government-backed program has provided funding and resources for entrepreneurs like Hua Wang, driving economic growth. Wang emphasizes the need for sustainable support models and quick approval of funding for startups.

An integrated approach is essential for digitizing economies in developing countries, like India. The use of localized digital tools and affordable access to technology have enabled digitization efforts. Hua Wang stresses the importance of choosing a job based on passion for career success, particularly in a context where traditional paths are favored.

In conclusion, this analysis highlights the disparities faced by women founders and the importance of addressing biases in funding. It emphasizes the role of governmental support, sustainable funding models, and quick approval of funding for entrepreneurial success. The importance of an integrated approach to digitizing economies and following one’s passion for career success is also underscored.

Awa Caba

The analysis identifies two remarkable entrepreneurs from Senegal, namely Awa Caba. Awa Caba is actively involved in the agriculture and technology sectors, demonstrating her versatility and capacity to make a significant impact. She plays a crucial role in promoting several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

In the first argument, Awa Caba is described as an entrepreneur operating in the agriculture and tech sectors in Senegal. Her innovative contributions in these sectors demonstrate her entrepreneurial prowess and commitment to driving positive change. Though the sentiment is neutral, the supporting facts highlight her role as a key player in these fields.

The second argument highlights Awa Caba’s leadership in an e-commerce platform in Senegal, specifically focusing on empowering women and facilitating their access to the market. This effort aligns with multiple SDGs, including SDG 5, SDG 8, SDG 9, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. The sentiment associated with this argument is positive, indicating the impact Awa Caba is making in enabling women to engage in economic activities and reducing inequalities.

Notably, Awa Caba’s achievements are noteworthy within the context of gender equality, economic growth, and innovation. Her endeavors reflect her determination to create opportunities for women and foster economic development in Senegal. By combining her expertise in agriculture and technology, she effectively contributes to building sustainable industry infrastructure. Awa Caba’s work exemplifies the power of entrepreneurship in driving positive change and achieving the SDGs.

Overall, Awa Caba’s multi-faceted approach to entrepreneurship, encompassing the agriculture and tech sectors, as well as her leadership in an e-commerce platform, positions her as a prominent figure in Senegal’s development landscape. Her contributions towards gender equality, economic growth, and industry innovation are truly commendable and serve as inspiration for future entrepreneurs and change-makers.

Speaker 2

Tamar Sarawat is affiliated with the US Department of Commerce and plays a role in formulating policies related to national and international trade, economic growth, and technological advancement. This highlights the significant influence of the Department of Commerce in shaping the business landscape.

Within the Department of Commerce, there is a dedicated working group focused on women’s economic empowerment. This group is instrumental in advancing gender equality and promoting economic growth, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 8. SDG 5 aims to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls, while SDG 8 focuses on inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all.

The presence of a robust working group within the Department of Commerce demonstrates a commitment to addressing gender disparities and promoting equal opportunities for women in the workplace. By addressing the unique challenges faced by women, this group contributes to building a more inclusive and diverse economy.

The working group comprises women from the private sector in Central Asia, highlighting the global nature of its approach and the importance of collaborating across regions. The active engagement of private sector women from Central Asia adds diverse perspectives and reinforces the idea that economic empowerment should be a global agenda.

In summary, the presence of a women’s economic empowerment working group within the US Department of Commerce reflects a dedication to promoting gender equality and enhancing economic opportunities. By engaging private sector women from Central Asia, this group ensures a global perspective. It aligns with the SDGs and has the potential to drive positive change in the business world, contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

Speaker 4

The speakers in the discussion provided insights into various aspects of entrepreneurship and startups in Africa. Speaker 4’s startup, Quitty, was highlighted as a B2B marketplace for Made in Africa products. The main goal of Quitty is to facilitate the accessibility of African products in international markets. Additionally, Quitty has a brand incubation program that collaborates directly with local suppliers, particularly women. This program aims to empower and support these suppliers in overcoming barriers they face in the industry.

One of the main challenges discussed during the discussion was the barriers to entry for African products on global platforms. It was noted that production capacity is still a significant challenge for local suppliers. Moreover, many African ingredients are not represented on popular platforms like Amazon, which limits the reach of these products. This highlights the need to address these challenges and provide better opportunities for African suppliers to showcase and sell their products globally.

The importance of an ecosystem for entrepreneurship was also emphasized. The speakers noted that the ecosystem in Africa has been experiencing growth, with more entrepreneurs returning to start businesses and the emergence of incubator programmes. Government involvement and support were highlighted as contributing factors to the ecosystem’s growth. Advocates were highlighted as critical in stimulating the ecosystem by instilling a sense of belonging and capability among entrepreneurs.

Government funding and policies were discussed as potential frameworks to support entrepreneurs. The success of government funding programmes was found to be dependent on efficiency and speed of disbursement. The implementation of the Startup Act was seen as a positive step, with Tunisia and Senegal having already adopted it and Nigeria working towards its implementation. The Startup Act provides clear definitions for startups and offers tax breaks for the initial years, promoting a conducive environment for startups.

However, challenges related to taxation were also raised during the discussion. High employment taxes and other levies were considered detrimental to startups, as they posed financial burdens and limited growth opportunities. The need for tax structures that support startups and foster economic growth was emphasized.

Digitalisation of public sector systems was highlighted as necessary to facilitate startup growth. Digitalisation would ensure easier access to information, loans, and other services, streamlining processes for startups. The use of digital tools and platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok was also discussed. These tools were deemed highly useful for managing projects, team communication, and marketing strategies, particularly in global teams and emerging markets.

The speakers also touched upon the importance of regulations in the digital world. They highlighted the need for the public sector to catch up with the pace of innovations and understand and control emerging technologies, such as blockchain and cryptocurrencies. However, it was mentioned that regulations in this realm need to strike a balance between control and fostering innovation.

Another noteworthy observation was the increasing trust in digital companies like Google, Facebook, and Apple, which raised concerns about individuals relying too heavily on these private sector companies over government institutions. It was noted that this misplaced trust could lead to a societal imbalance and potentially undermine the role and influence of governments.

On a more personal level, the speakers discussed the importance of self-belief and passion in entrepreneurship. Following one’s gut instincts and having the confidence to believe in one’s ideas were stressed as key factors in pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors. The speakers also acknowledged the challenges faced by women in entrepreneurship and encouraged women to bring out their strengths and not suppress them.

In conclusion, the discussion shed light on various aspects of entrepreneurship and startups in Africa, including the challenges faced by local suppliers, the significance of an ecosystem, the role of government support, digitalisation, and the importance of self-belief and passion. It emphasized the need for increased support and resources to foster an inclusive startup ecosystem in Africa and create opportunities for African products to thrive on the international stage.

Speaker 5

Shutlers, a shared mobility platform founded by Damilola Lokeshisi (also known as Dami) in Lagos, Nigeria, aims to address the transportation challenges faced by the workforce, particularly young professionals. The public transport system in Lagos is inadequate and poses safety risks, as seen in an unfortunate incident involving Dami’s sister. Shutlers provides a solution by offering affordable and safe transportation options. The service is priced between standard ride-hailing services and traditional public transport, providing a balance between affordability and safety.

Over the past six years, Shutlers has seen remarkable growth, expanding to three cities in Nigeria and raising $5.6 million in funding. This success demonstrates the conviction in the business model and the solution it offers to the public transport challenges in Nigeria.

Government initiatives, such as an accelerator programme, have proven to be instrumental in supporting startups like Shutlers. Dami received her first grant through this programme, which helped bootstrap and build her first tech. However, there is a need for a more sustainable model to support entrepreneurs beyond the initial stages.

Before developing their own application, Shutlers utilised existing digital platforms like WhatsApp, Google, and Excel sheets to communicate bus arrivals, track vehicles, and maintain reports. This approach proved effective in the early stages of their operations until they could afford to build their own apps.

There are concerns about proposals to tax digital goods and services, with some countries suggesting taxing instances like sending a PDF to another country or downloading an app. Such taxation measures could have negative implications for startups and the digital industry.

Policymakers are beginning to realise the significant influence of the digital world and its potential impact on various aspects of society. Issues such as ownership and control of data, alongside cases of influencers causing significant events, demonstrate the need for robust policy considerations.

The appointment of a young Nigerian minister with a tech background indicates that young people entering government can bring about effective change, leveraging their understanding of the digital ecosystem.

There is an argument that the government should support citizens by staying out of their way and not making life more difficult. This sentiment reflects the desire for reduced government interference and regulation, fostering an environment that promotes decent work and reduced inequalities.

Dami, the founder of Shutlers, emphasises the daily challenges faced as an entrepreneur, highlighting the necessity to fight for success constantly. She believes in self-empowerment and achieving one’s goals, using numbers and business traction as unbiased indicators of success. Doubts and challenges fuel her motivation to succeed.

In conclusion, Shutlers is making significant strides in addressing transportation challenges in Lagos, Nigeria, through its shared mobility platform. The success of Shutlers highlights the importance of government support for startups, the effective use of existing digital platforms, the implications of taxing digital goods and services, and the growing recognition of the influence of the digital world. The founder’s journey as an entrepreneur highlights the determination and perseverance required for success in the startup ecosystem.

Speaker 7

Speaker 7, a successful entrepreneur, started her first business at the age of 17. The business focused on selling fashionable textile products to university students. It had a successful three-year run before she decided to sell it to fund her studies in textiles at the National Institute. This early venture not only provided her with valuable experience but also demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit and determination.

After completing her studies, Speaker 7 recognized the need to connect women in the textiles and clothing value chain. To address this, she created a nonprofit organization that served as a platform for women entrepreneurs from different parts of the world. The platform not only allowed these women to reach new markets but also provided them with the opportunity to share their stories, further empowering them in their entrepreneurial journey.

Building upon this success, Speaker 7 went on to launch Inclusive Trade, an e-commerce platform that connects small businesses with customers globally. The platform has had a significant impact, supporting over 4,000 businesses so far. It provides these businesses with increased visibility and helps them prove their sustainability efforts, thus attracting more customers and opportunities. The positive sentiment surrounding Inclusive Trade is evident from its continuous influx of about £70,000 worth of business every month, which has prompted the need for external investments to support the platform’s scale-up.

Throughout her journey, Speaker 7 has been a strong advocate for comprehensive accelerator programs for women entrepreneurs. She believes that women should be given equally challenging programs as their male counterparts, rejecting the notion of “dumbing down” initiatives for women. She emphasizes the importance of having visible role models for women in the entrepreneurial sphere, encouraging their empowerment and success.

In addition, Speaker 7 highlights the significance of gender equality, which she believes can be achieved through empowering girls and educating boys. She draws from her own experience of being raised in a conservative Indian society but being encouraged to seize opportunities and gain knowledge. As a mother of two boys, she actively promotes equal responsibilities and respect for girls within her household.

The speaker also acknowledges the need for a blended approach towards digitization, involving bottom-up, top-down, and private sector involvement. She cites examples from India, where vendors on roads have embraced digital payments through platforms like Google Pay. She highlights the importance of policy changes, cheaper smartphones, and accessible data as essential factors enabling digital transformation.

Finally, Speaker 7 emphasizes the need to choose a profession based on passion, rather than merely for financial gain. She firmly believes that no profession should be viewed as superior or inferior, challenging traditional societal expectations in countries like India.

Overall, the journey and insights of Speaker 7 serve as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, highlighting the importance of determination, empowerment, and embracing new opportunities.

Speaker 3

Macy Ogu works for the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in Nigeria, and the Commission is actively working towards empowering women entrepreneurs. Macy joined the discussion with an aim to gain knowledge and understand more about the challenges faced by female founders. She expressed her belief in the need for more support for female founders as they scale their businesses.

The ecosystem in Nigeria is described as vibrant, full of energy and opportunities, but it initially posed challenges for female founders. Speaker 3, who has been on an entrepreneurial journey for seven years in Nigeria, highlighted the difficulty she faced finding other female founders and often being the only woman in meetings or when onboarding businesses or suppliers. This indicates that, despite the vibrant environment, gender disparities hinder the progress of female entrepreneurs.

However, there are positive developments in the Nigerian ecosystem, with an increasing number of initiatives focusing on women and supporting their growth. The MasterCard Foundation and IFC have introduced initiatives that specifically target women. There is also a growing representation of female general partners and investors in Nigeria. Additionally, programs that train women in coding have been initiated to address the supply issues faced by females in the tech industry. These initiatives indicate a more supportive ecosystem that is working towards gender equality and equal opportunities for female founders.

Although progress has been made, there is still a gap in support for women entrepreneurs as they transition from Series A to Series B, C, D, or billion-dollar businesses. Speaker 3 noted this gap and emphasized the need for additional support in this crucial phase of scaling businesses. Ensuring ongoing support at every stage is essential for female founders to achieve their full potential and contribute to the growth of the ecosystem.

In conclusion, Macy Ogu’s involvement with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in Nigeria highlights the Commission’s efforts to empower women entrepreneurs. The ecosystem in Nigeria is making positive strides in supporting female founders through initiatives focused on women and increasing representation in the tech industry. However, there remains a gap in support for women entrepreneurs as they scale their businesses, particularly in the Series A to Series B transition. Continued efforts to address these challenges will be crucial in creating a truly inclusive and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nigeria.

Speaker 1

Caitlin Satola, an official at the US Department of State, plays a crucial role in supporting the C5 plus 1 initiative for the United States and Central Asia. Despite not being an entrepreneur herself, she is dedicated to providing assistance and resources to entrepreneurs in these regions.

The C5 plus 1 initiative is a platform that aims to foster cooperation and dialogue between the United States and the five Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It focuses on five key areas of collaboration: security, economic connectivity, business and entrepreneurship, environment, and regional integration.

Satola’s primary focus lies in supporting entrepreneurs in Central Asia. By offering guidance, resources, and expertise, she works to create an enabling environment for these individuals to thrive. Satola recognises the vital role entrepreneurs play in driving economic growth, innovation, and job creation. Through capacity-building programmes, she helps equip aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed.

Satola’s efforts also to extend to facilitating partnerships and collaborations between entrepreneurs in the United States and Central Asia. By connecting entrepreneurs from both regions, she fosters knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and the sharing of best practices. These connections enable entrepreneurs to tap into new markets, access funding opportunities, and gain valuable insights from their counterparts.

While Satola’s role is not directly entrepreneurial in nature, her commitment to supporting entrepreneurs showcases the Department of State’s recognition of the importance of entrepreneurship in driving economic development and stability in Central Asia. By empowering and assisting entrepreneurs, Satola contributes to creating a thriving business environment, fostering economic connectivity between the United States and Central Asia, and promoting stronger ties between the two regions.

In conclusion, Caitlin Satola, working under the US Department of State’s C5 plus 1 initiative, plays a crucial role in supporting entrepreneurship in Central Asia. Her dedication to providing resources, guidance, and facilitating partnerships benefits entrepreneurs in the region, driving economic growth and fostering stronger ties between the United States and Central Asia.

Birame Sock

Biram Sock, a representative from Senegal, introduced himself as an advocate for E-Trade for Women, focusing on the Francophone Africa region. This demonstrates his commitment to promoting equitable economic opportunities for women in this area. “E-Trade for Women” involves using electronic trading platforms to empower women entrepreneurs and enhance their participation in the global market. By leveraging technology, barriers such as limited access to financial services and discriminatory practices can be overcome, fostering economic growth and gender equality. Biram Sock advocates for the adoption of digital trade strategies that benefit women by engaging with policymakers, organizations, and stakeholders. He specifically addresses the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Francophone Africa, including cultural norms, limited access to education and technology, and inadequate infrastructure. His advocacy efforts aim to create an enabling environment for women in the digital economy, contributing to their socio-economic development and empowerment in Francophone Africa.

Pippa McDougall.

Pippa McDougall, a senior advocacy manager at the GSMA Connected Women Programme, introduces herself and her role in initiatives aimed at reducing the gender gap in mobile technology access and usage. McDougall advocates for women’s empowerment in the digital sphere and promotes inclusivity in the technology sector.

Expressing excitement and gratitude for being present at the event, McDougall demonstrates her commitment to the cause and eagerness to share insights and experiences with the audience.

Under McDougall’s direction, the GSMA Connected Women Programme works to increase women’s access to mobile services globally and empower them to engage fully with technology. Efforts focus on overcoming barriers such as affordability, literacy, and socio-cultural constraints that hinder women’s participation and access to mobile technology.

The advocacy work McDougall is involved in emphasizes the importance of addressing the gender gap in the technology sector. Collaborating with policymakers, industry leaders, and non-governmental organizations, McDougall develops impactful strategies to bring about positive change. She aims to raise awareness about gender equality in mobile technology and drive meaningful action towards achieving this goal.

McDougall’s introduction highlights her passion for the cause, setting the stage for a discussion on challenges, opportunities, and potential solutions for increasing women’s access and empowerment in the digital era.

Alisa Sydow

Alisa Sydow, an associate professor in entrepreneurship, holds a prominent position at the ESCP Business School, one of the most esteemed European institutions. With a focus on women in entrepreneurship, she dedicates her research efforts to understanding and promoting gender equality in this field. This emphasis on supporting women aligns with SDG5 for Gender Equality, indicating her commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial landscape.

Additionally, Alisa Sydow’s practical experience is evident through her ownership of a startup. This demonstrates her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs. Her firsthand experience in running a business enhances her credibility as an educator and researcher, allowing her to provide valuable insights and guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs.

By focusing on women in entrepreneurship, Alisa Sydow’s work contributes to SDG8 for Decent Work and Economic Growth. Entrepreneurship not only provides individuals with meaningful employment opportunities but also drives economic growth and development. By promoting women’s involvement in this sector, she helps create a more vibrant and inclusive economy.

Moreover, her work is also relevant to SDG9 for Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. As an associate professor and entrepreneur, Alisa Sydow is undoubtedly familiar with the importance of innovation and efficient infrastructure in entrepreneurial endeavors. By exploring and promoting innovative approaches, she facilitates the growth and sustainability of startups, contributing to overall progress in society.

In conclusion, Alisa Sydow’s contributions in education, research, and entrepreneurship have substantial implications for various Sustainable Development Goals. Her position as an associate professor at the prestigious ESCP Business School allows her to shape the mindset and skills of future entrepreneurs. Through her research on women in entrepreneurship, she actively promotes gender equality and inclusivity. Furthermore, her own experience as a startup owner adds practical knowledge to her academic expertise. Overall, Alisa Sydow’s work not only supports specific SDGs such as Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, but also contributes to the broader goal of creating a sustainable and prosperous society.

Speaker 6

The analysis includes discussions from various speakers covering different aspects of entrepreneurship, gender equality, and digital regulations.

One of the speakers, Yasmin, is the founder of a B2B startup in Egypt that focuses on food and e-commerce delivery. She has successfully raised $10 million in funding for her business and currently achieves an average of 10,000 deliveries per day. Yasmin’s success story highlights the potential of startups in the industry and the importance of targeting specific markets, such as Whole Foods and Carrefour.

Another speaker addresses the challenges faced by startups in certain regions, like the speaker’s own country. These challenges arise from the lack of an established ecosystem to support startups. This emphasizes the importance of building a supportive environment that includes wallets, banks, and user-friendly apps. The speaker also highlights the need to explain basic concepts like working hours and productivity to the drivers associated with the startup. Furthermore, the speaker notes that investors are becoming more cautious and are requiring additional due diligence, making it harder for startups to secure investment based solely on PowerPoint presentations.

The analysis also delves into the gender dynamics of entrepreneurship. One speaker asserts that entrepreneurship should be viewed as a business opportunity rather than a gender issue. This perspective argues that entrepreneurial success is not limited to any specific gender and that investors primarily consider the profit potential of ventures, irrespective of the entrepreneur’s gender. Another speaker highlights the importance of coaching and equal opportunity for women in entrepreneurship. Both male and female entrepreneurs face competition and challenges, and reaching potential investors and delivering compelling pitches are essential for securing investment.

The topic of digital regulations and policies is also explored. A speaker argues that regulating the digital space in traditional ways is impractical and reactive. Drawing parallels with the music industry’s experience with MP3 files, the speaker suggests that existing proposed policies are somewhat backward-looking. Instead, the speaker advocates for a proactive approach that takes into account the unique nature and dynamics of the digital realm.

The analysis also emphasizes the need for instilling specific values and norms within the digital space. One speaker stresses the importance of teaching children responsible technology use and the development of digital etiquette. By raising awareness about the responsible use of technology from a young age, individuals can navigate and contribute positively to the digital space.

In terms of gender equality, one speaker shares a childhood experience where their father emphasized that being a girl should not hinder them from aspiring for success. This anecdote signifies the importance of fighting for personal aspirations, regardless of gender. Another speaker highlights the treatment discrepancy between boys and girls, particularly in post-schooling stages. Girls often feel academic pressure to succeed, while boys may assume success will come through alternative means. The speaker raises concerns over the loss of self-belief many girls experience upon entering the workplace.

Finally, one speaker encourages individuals to view perceived obstacles as advantages and shares their ambition to work in a traditionally male-dominated industry. This serves as a testament to the speaker’s determination to challenge norms and succeed in challenging locations.

In conclusion, the analysis provides valuable insights into various aspects of entrepreneurship, gender equality, and digital regulations. It underscores the potential for success in startups, the importance of an established ecosystem, the need to view entrepreneurship as a business opportunity rather than a gender issue, and the significance of coaching and equal opportunity for women. The analysis also highlights the challenges of regulating the digital space, the importance of instilling digital values and norms, and the need to fight for aspirations irrespective of gender. Ultimately, the analysis calls for a conducive environment that supports and empowers entrepreneurs, regardless of their gender or the industry they choose to pursue.

Emily Ashby

During the discussion, the idea of attending an event was raised and Emily Ashby was asked if she would like to join. She responded affirmatively and mentioned that introductions would be made during the event. Ashby introduced herself as the director for South and Central Asia, representing the US in the USTR (United States Trade Representative). This indicates that she holds a significant position within the organization. The conversation was conducted in a friendly manner, with all participants expressing a willingness to attend the event and engage in introductions. The exchange took place in the afternoon, suggesting a positive and collaborative atmosphere among the participants.

AS

Alisa Sydow

Speech speed

188 words per minute

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47 words

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15 secs

AC

Awa Caba

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166 words per minute

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40 words

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14 secs

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Birame Sock

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146 words per minute

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29 words

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12 secs

EA

Emily Ashby

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143 words per minute

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40 words

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17 secs

HW

Hua Wang

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3133 words

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968 secs

MN

Mercedes Nunez

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41 words

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Pippa McDougall.

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31 words

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