Alibaba.com Launches Academy for Women Entrepreneurs in Europe
Alibaba.com has made a groundbreaking announcement with the launch of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in Europe. The initiative aims to promote gender equality in business and support female entrepreneurship on the platform.
Described as a “free advanced educational training and networking program addressed to female owners, entrepreneurs, or co-owners of businesses across the EU”, AWE is set to address the significant hurdles faced by female entrepreneurs in the region. A study conducted by Alibaba revealed that societal expectations and gender stereotypes were major barriers to business leadership for 94 percent of female entrepreneurs, with nearly 60 percent citing gender as the reason for business failure.
To combat these disparities, Alibaba.com has established the AWE initiative, offering advanced educational training, mentoring, and networking opportunities for female business owners or co-owners. The Academy will welcome forty female-led companies from across Europe in its first year, providing them with a 10-week program covering various modules such as leadership, negotiation, strategy, business and financial models, funding, and communications.
Participants will have the chance to engage with a community of like-minded industry leaders, investors, mentors, and organizations working towards increasing gender equality in decision-making. Alibaba.com’s marketing director for Europe, Michela Rubegni, emphasized the platform’s commitment to championing gender equality in business, stating, “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.”
Alibaba.com’s efforts to attract European SMEs and promote diversity within the entrepreneurial ecosystem through support groups highlight its dedication to fostering a more inclusive business environment.