Why empowering female social entrepreneurs is key to economic recovery

Jan 15, 2021

Fofanan Man, a 59-year-old businesswoman, poses for a photograph in front of textiles in her shop in Bouake, Ivory Coast, February 10, 2016. Women have long played a dominant role in agriculture in Ivory Coast and in the sprawling markets where most Ivorians purchase their daily necessities. Now some are breaking through into the most important positions in government, administration and business - positions long held by males in this traditional society. In 2012, Niale Kaba became finance minister, the first woman to hold the post in more than half a century as an independent nation. Ivorian women today work in a range of jobs Ã¢â¬â from gas-station attendant to plastic recycler and lawyer. International Women's Day is marked on March 8. REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES - GF10000336765

Fofanan Man, a 59-year-old businesswoman, poses for a photograph in front of textiles in her shop in Bouake, Ivory Coast, February 10, 2016. Image: REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon

Pavitra Raja

Programme and Engagement Lead, Europe and Americas - Schwab Foundation, World Economic Forum

Claire Davenport

Communications Manager, Ashoka Changemakers

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