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Scaling young women's businesses through IP mentorship

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the International Trade Centre’s (ITC) SheTrades initiative have launched a joint mentoring project for young women entrepreneurs. This collaboration was announced during the WTO-ITC SheTrades Innovation Festival in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates in February 2024. The event showcased five young women entrepreneurs whose innovative endeavors are driving transformative change in sustainability and digital innovation.

Photo: International Trade Centre

WIPO and ITC are now working together to assist these entrepreneurs and five additional participants through a comprehensive six-month program focused on capacity building in intellectual property (IP) and business competitiveness. These entrepreneurs will be paired with counterparts from developed nations to foster cross-border networking and mutual support. By aligning IP strategies with business objectives, participants can unlock new avenues for growth and innovation.

WIPO and ITC SheTrades will also provide expertise through training sessions tailored to the needs of the selected young women entrepreneurs. This network will foster synergies among young women-led businesses, paving the way for increased opportunities and sustainable growth.

Future Prospects

This joint initiative by WIPO and ITC marks a significant step towards women's economic empowerment, providing the entrepreneurs with the tools and networks necessary to thrive in their industries and drive sustainable economic growth. Through collaborative efforts, they aim to enhance the value of their businesses and provide vital guidance, training, and opportunities for the younger generation eager to partake in the entrepreneurial landscape.

With branding, intellectual property rights, and strategic expansion at the forefront, this initiative aims to propel young women-led businesses into a new era of growth and development.

Participants' Profiles

Medina Ali is leveraging technology for sustainable farming with her Bangladesh-based AgriTech startup, Dr. Chashi.

Zein Altawil's sustainable fashion brand, Yello, offers eco-friendly women’s clothing to reduce the fashion industry’s environmental impact.

Elizabeth Bohner's She Guardian App equips young women in Paris with safety resources.

In veterinary medicine, Maud Bouresche co-leads Novetech Surgery, developing innovative surgical solutions for animals.

Yafonia Hutabarat co-founded PetaNetra, an AR navigation app for the visually impaired.

Dr. Maryna Kuzmenko is integrating AI with agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture with Petiole LTD.

Granny Lesiamang is working to combat climate change and empower communities with Clauseph Biofuels' clean cooking solutions.

Rebecca Osewa is working to revive the cotton, textile supply chain industry in Nigeria to continue to build a more prosperous Africa with her non-profit, international development organization called Yield Initiatives.

Eden Tadesse connects refugees with work opportunities, online courses and mental health support through her award-winning startup, Invicta.

Daphne Tsevreni co-founded Clio Muse Tours, a Greek company offering self-guided audio tours for attractions & cities globally.

Photo: International Trade Centre

Background

The Section for Coordination of Developed Countries (SCDC) of the Division for Transition and Developed Countries (TDC) is partnering with SheTrades, an International Trade Center (ITC) Initiative that works towards greater economic opportunities for women everywhere and promotes a women-inclusive, fairer global trade. The project aims to empower women entrepreneurs and small business owners by enhancing their skills and knowledge in the critical area of IP protection and management by providing targeted workshops, networking opportunities, and dynamic matchmaking and coaching opportunities. This initiative seeks to elevate participants' abilities to safeguard their innovative ideas and creations while strategically boosting the value of their businesses.

About ITC SheTrades

The International Trade Centre’s (ITC) SheTrades Initiative is a global movement to unlock women’s full economic potential through trade. By working with governments, business support organizations, the private sector and women producers and entrepreneurs to create the right capacities and conditions for sustainable impact at scale.

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