Last month, more than 130 representatives from key institutions for Bolivia's inclusive economic development gathered for the launch of our new project, TEA WEEB (Transformation of the entrepreneurial ecosystem through a gender-based approach), carried out in consortium with the Fundación Innovación en Empresariado Social (IES).
Members of various chambers of commerce, international cooperation organizations, private companies and foundations were present to highlight the importance of adapting the current system in favor of women business leaders in Bolivia. The launch of the event opened spaces for dialogue, reflection and transformation through expert interventions, political voices and a creative space.
The project aims to build the economic and management capacity of 360 women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). More concretely, TEA WEEB aims to create an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem that will enable women leaders of these MSMEs to build strong networks and grow in the business sector.
The TEA WEEB project addresses three central barriers faced by women running MSMEs:
By providing business development services to women MSME leaders, as well as developing tools, training and advocacy programs and many other innovations in the field, the project is rethinking the entrepreneurial ecosystem with a gender equality approach.
The official launch of the project included a theatrical performance by Teatro de los Andes that opened up a dialogue on gender disparities in the Bolivian entrepreneurial environment. The event was a success and allowed the project to creatively present several avenues for constructive reflection, including the intention to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Bolivia. CECI will contribute to the TEA WEEB project through its expertise in women's rights, women's economic empowerment and policy advocacy with local governments (La Paz, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba). This contribution promotes a transformative gender environment and the fight against discrimination against women. Chambers of Commerce with leading members of MSMEs support the project with their extensive networking opportunities and help create an environment based on common values and solidarity, strengthening collective commitment.
This is a promising project that gives women a necessary platform to fight gender inequalities in the socio-economic and entrepreneurial environment. This project will also have a social impact on the municipal governments where it will be active. The economic development of these women-led MSMEs must involve their agentivity in order to lead the way to the economic success of their businesses, foster autonomy and equal participation in decision-making spaces and processes, and thus offer dignified jobs to women who participate in this ecosystem. It is about fostering a sustainable economic and political environment for gender equality.
