Women Boosting Economies from Argentina to Uganda

June 27, 2012 —“If women are empowered economically, then they can change their world,” assures 26 year old Mercy Babirye of the Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association Limited . “We believe that the role that women play is the first step to making Uganda a first world country.”

Mercy is not far off the mark. A World Economic Forum study found a correlation between countries with smaller gender gaps and increased economic competitiveness. Half way around the world in Argentina, a 24 year old is working towards economic stability for underprivileged women.

“We work with a very vulnerable population, the working poor. We are often the only source of support for these women,” explains Martina Ferrarino of Mujeres 2000 in Buenos Aires. “It is very important that we form solidarity networks in these neighborhoods.”

Mercy and Martina met for the first time in Washington D.C. at the beginning of June. They are two of 25 women leaders from 19 countries in town for CEDPA’s 56th Global Women in Management (GWIM) program. The ExxonMobil Foundation’s Women’s Economic Opportunity Initiative has generously sponsored the GWIM program since 2005.

The four-week workshop strengthens management, leadership and technical skills with sessions focused on financial management, budgeting, marketing and strategic communications, along with economic-focused sessions.

Martina speaks about her program working with low-income women in Argentina.

During the workshop, participants experience field visits, expert guest speakers and speaking opportunities. As part of the workshop, a networking reception was held at the National Press Club on June 27. The reception offered the participants the opportunity to connect with colleagues in the U.S. working in their area and brainstorm possible solutions to issues they are facing in the field.

The participatory nature of the program uses the participants own experiences to guide and strengthen each other. The experienced facilitators use the group’s diversity to explore different scenarios and build on the expertise and passions in the room, driving home each lesson. The women leave with a new perspective on themselves, their organizations and their place in the world.

“I’ve come to realize that leadership is not a position,” says Mercy. “It’s about realizing that you have a responsibility to change the world in your area…to be able to come up with solutions to make the world you live in a better place.”

The enthusiasm that builds and transformations that occur during the workshops spread throughout participant’s organizations and communities. Often they conduct step-down trainings when they return or recommend staff members for future workshops.

“Our executive director went through the GWIM program two years ago, and I am currently in the same position that she was in, as a coordinator for the same neighborhood,” offers Martina. “I had high expectations for the workshop, and they have been fulfilled.”

The participants will graduate this Friday, and return home to their families, organizations and communities a different person. As part of the program, participants are assigned a CEDPA alumni coach who for a year will help guide them on their professional path. They will also carry with them the support from a network of 25 women leaders from all over the world, who they have grown with over a month-long journey.

Read more about CEDPA’s Training Programs.

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