NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

In developing nations, the stark reality for women reveals entrenched barriers to entrepreneurship that, if surmounted, could unlock a staggering $5-6 trillion global opportunity. Only 17% of women currently helm their own businesses, yet a further 35% harbor the aspiration to do so. Despite this ambition, they grapple with formidable challenges: from restricted access to capital and land, societal norms limiting mobility, to the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work. The cost of inaction is high, with projections indicating it might take centuries to close gaps in legal protection, eradicate child marriage, and achieve gender parity in leadership and political representation.

In this Luminarias webinar and audience Q&A, Impact Entrepreneur’s Laurie Lane-Zucker welcomes Lizz Welch, CEO of iDE, and Jennifer Roglà, PhD, Global Director of Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) at iDE, to discuss the critical barriers impeding women entrepreneurs and the innovative strategies being employed to dismantle these obstacles. With a keen focus on gender parity, iDE has committed $137 million over five years to poverty alleviation initiatives that are not only about promoting economic growth but also recognize the profound societal impact, considering women reinvest up to 90% of their income into their families.

Throughout the webinar, attendees will gain insights into:

• The critical barriers hindering women entrepreneurs in developing countries.
• iDE’s evidence-based strategies for empowering women and the expected ripple effects on society, to go beyond income.
• The broader societal implications of investing in women, from diminishing child marriages to fostering gender parity in positions of power and leadership.

Join us as we delve into the transformative work of iDE, through the experiences of Lizz Welch and Jennifer Roglà, and explore how fostering gender parity in entrepreneurship can catalyze comprehensive economic and social advancement. Our guests will also share case studies of iDE’s impactful work across various developing nations.

Time: 12:00 – 1:15 ET