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.