SHARE:  
3 Strategies to Empower Women in Your Workforce
Insight from Chioma Adiele-Okpara, Trade Hub Gender & Social Inclusion Manager



“A diverse mix of voices leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes for everyone.”
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google

Research on workplace gender diversity continues to prove that having more women within leadership roles has a direct positive impact on a company becoming a leader in its respective sector. From spurring increased revenue and team productivity to decreased job dissatisfaction and staff turnover, women are unequivocally good for business. The Trade Hub’s GESI Manager, Chioma Adiele-Okpara, has three tips for businesses to empower women in your workplace.

1Focus on inclusivity and equal opportunity: Recruit and promote women into roles they are not typically tapped for within your organization, including those that have traditionally been considered “better suited” for men because of gender stereotypes.
 
2Create policies that support equity in the workplace: Counter past or current gender-based inequities with policies that show women’s contributions are respected. Such policies include a pay equity policy that corrects any imbalance in which women are paid less than men when working in similar roles and an anti-sexual harassment policy. As women are often overlooked for leadership positions, develop a Succession Plan with an eye toward choosing promising female staff who have demonstrated outstanding performance.
 
3. Invest in building the capacity of women: Promote a supportive culture that positions women to thrive. Offer training and coaching to equip women with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed within the organization and become leaders. Launch a formal mentorship program that connects women to both male and female mentors to expand their network and help them grow.
New Co-Investment Partnerships
Cordaid supports SMEs through
the West Africa Bright Future Fund

The Trade Hub is providing a $2 million co-investment grant to Stichting Cordaid to increase the access to finance by small and medium-sized enterprises and microfinance institutions in West Africa.

Ethical Apparel Africa to increase
garment production in Ghana 

Ethical Apparel Africa is receiving a $1.35 million grant from the Trade Hub to establish a model factory with Maagrace Garment Industries in Ghana’s Eastern region.

Global Mamas reformulates business strategies for sustainable growth post-pandemic

Global Mamas will leverage private funding of $2 million, including $497,000 provided by the Trade Hub, through a co-investment partnership to combat Global Mamas’ COVID-19-induced financial difficulties and build a more resilient livelihood for women.

Agbanga Karite Alaffia SARL to preserve
women and youth employment in Togo

The Trade Hub is providing $299,000 to Togo shea company Agbanga Karite Alaffia SARL to secure shea kernels and other raw materials for the company’s 2021 production of shea butter products sold in the United States.

Partners Spotlight: Global Mamas
From vibrant batik garments to eye-catching recycled glass jewelry and eco-friendly home goods, Global Mamas has built a brand recognized for its creativity and sound business sense. These qualities have been crucial in helping the organization sustain its mission of providing long-term opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Ghana to achieve their personal and professional goals. In this Q&A, Global Mamas’ founder Renae Adam shares insights into some of the intentional policies and practices set into place by the Global Mamas community.
News Update

  • On January 26th, the Trade Hub AGOA team, in collaboration with UBA America, trained over 250 businesses across the region on export trade financing and payment mechanisms using UBA. Participants also learned about exporting to the U.S. under AGOA duty-free.

  • In collaboration with the Senegalese Export Promotion Agency, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Burkina Faso, and APEX-Burkina, the Trade Hub organized a learning session on AGOA rules and export documentation, including on registration with the FDA and labeling regulations.

  • Learn why the Trade Hub is committed to helping West African businesses benefit from the African Growth and Opportunity Act in a featured article on the website How We Made It In Africa. 
Was this issue forwarded to you? Subscribe to get the Trade Hub Newsletter here.
Disclaimer: The contents of this newsletter are the sole responsibility of Creative Associates International and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID, the United States Government, or Prosper Africa.