Alibaba has just announced the launch of its Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in Europe on April 16th, 2024. This groundbreaking initiative aims to promote gender equality in business and provide vital support, resources, and networking opportunities to help women-led companies thrive.
The AWE program comes at a critical time, as recent research commissioned by Alibaba.com reveals the significant challenges faced by female entrepreneurs across Europe. A staggering 94% of respondents cited societal expectations and gender stereotypes as major barriers to business leadership. Furthermore, 63% said they had encountered situations where their gender was perceived as a disadvantage.
Over 10 weeks, the AWE will welcome 40 female-led companies from various European countries. Participants will have the unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, investors, mentors, and organizations dedicated to advancing gender equality. The academy's comprehensive curriculum covers essential topics such as leadership, negotiation, strategy, business and financial models, funding, and communications.
Michela Rubegni, Alibaba.com's Marketing Director in Europe, said, "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." She emphasized Alibaba's aim to leverage their extensive experience in global trade to help participants overcome gender-related obstacles and succeed in today's competitive landscape.
The AWE launch is part of Alibaba's broader efforts to foster gender equality and digital inclusion. In 2023, the company partnered with local organizations to establish digital centers in Turkey, focusing on uplifting women, youth, and people with disabilities through sustainable, technology-based production hubs.
The academy's application portal opened this week and will close in late June 2024. Program activities are scheduled to start in the fall.
