Supporting Women Entrepreneurs and Women-Owned Businesses Across the Indian Ocean Rim

[Title] Supporting Women Entrepreneurs and Women-Owned Businesses Across the Indian Ocean Rim Photo: UN Women/Pathumporn Thongking T he Indian Ocean Rim is host to a vibrant economy of women entrepreneurs and women-owned micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). [...] Available data reveals that the percenta ge of women who are either nascent entrepreneurs or owner-managers of a new business has increased in the region.* Nevertheless, barriers persist for women entrepreneurs in terms of accessing funding and finance, markets and available digital technologies, as well as the burden of unpaid care work. [...] In April 2021, UN Women and IORA hosted a Virtual Café - an interactive and participatory methodology to facilitate the sharing of experiences, networking and knowledge exchange on the issue of “Supporting women entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses amid COVID-19.” Thirty-five women entrepreneurs and government officials from across the region shared insights regarding the barriers women entrep. [...] Access to COVID-19 specific support Recommendations: Governments, the private sector, and civil society have a role to play in supporting women entrepreneurs and women-owned MSMEs across the five key areas: Access to funding and finance All: Ensure information on funding opportunities is widely available and develop centralized platforms for information-sharing Increase financial literacy programm. [...] to reduce informational barriers and centralize procurement opportunities Increase procurement opportunities for women-led businesses in private and public sectors through strategic sourcing and diverse supply chain management programs and policies Support virtual trade missions as a way to access new markets through funding, marketing and enhanced support Civil Society/Private Sector: Create a me.