It is clear that in this economic crisis, there has never been a greater need for women to support and encourage each other. In a great example of TIAW as a connector, the Rotman School of Business, Toronto is collaborating with City Women’s Network , London UK providing for their members a workshop on ‘Women affected by Downsizing’ as well as a panel discussion ‘Finance Crisis & Rescue: Lessons Learned’. At TIAW, we are preparing for the launch of our entrepreneurship teleseminars which will draw on the expertise of our members. They will highlight the practicalities and principles behind starting a business and help those who are established to successfully meet the challenges and minimize risks that accompany business success.
TIAW was very privileged to be invited to attend the Arab International Women’s Forum in Paris. This was a splendid example of how women in Europe and the Arab World can work together for trade and investment. I would like to thank their Chairman Haifa al Kaylani, for our invitation to this exclusive gathering. One of the key presentations was by McKinsey Women Matter: Gender Diversity, a Corporate Performance Driver, 2007) which concluded that if companies adopt diversity of practice and gender they will gain a unique opportunity to develop a competitive edge.
We have recently celebrated International Women’s Day, when we were reminded of the need for us all to work together for the economic empowerment of women. The TIAW microenterprise program was officially launched on this day in 2000 at our conference in Washington D.C. Since that time TIAW has raised funds for over 100 village banks in Africa, Asia, Central and South America. Our next Presidents’ Forum (a teleconference bringing together the Presidents of our member associations) will have as its focus this groundbreaking program. It is vital in this economic crisis that we continue to raise funds to help women in the developing world to start their own businesses. TIAW micro program.
The TIAW World of Difference Awards continue to have an impact. It is with great pleasure that we commend member association, Women’s Business Connection in Singapore who have put their Award winner in pride of place on their homepage. This year, we hope to build on the success of these Awards by involving all our member associations and by inviting new associations to get involved so that they become truly regional reflecting all the endeavours that empower women.
