The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) is highlighting the pivotal role that women and youth play in fostering a healthy economic environment. In Georgia, under the USAID Economic Governance Program, implemented by Deloitte Consulting, CIPE is contributing to new initiatives to give young women the tools they need to become successful professionals and entrepreneurs.
One such initiative, “Girls for Change,” was launched on March 29 in cooperation with the European Business Association (EBA) as part of Women’s History Month. Through mentorship and advocacy training sessions, young women learned from the valuable experiences of business professionals. Several participants even received internships or job offers. “Girls for Change” was a successful program that garnered positive news coverage in Georgia.
Through mentorship and advocacy training sessions, young women learned from the valuable experiences of business professionals.
In many countries, including Georgia, young women are often underrepresented in the public and private sector compared to their male counterparts. “Girls for Change” served as a platform for exchange of information, skills, and tools among professionals working in the public and private sectors and aspiring women leaders. As more women and youth join the work force or become entrepreneurs, their voices, abilities, and perspectives remain crucial to building an economy that benefits everyone.
The program began by hosting ten training sessions for thirty female university students in Georgia. Volunteer mentors, leading business professionals from diverse sectors, and EBA members facilitated the sessions, sharing their experiences and advice with the young women and answering questions about their careers. The speakers motivated young women to engage in advocacy and equipped them with skills to become effective decision makers. After the program concluded on May 12, CIPE staff selected ten program participants as candidates for internship opportunities with the EBA and Loialté, a Georgian consulting firm.
Out of ten internship candidates, three received internship offers from EBA and Loialté, one participant was offered a part-time job, and the other six students became members of the EBA Youth Group. The Youth Group brings together a range of private sector actors, including EBA board members (of all ages) and alumni of the USAID Economic Governance Program’s youth focused “Online Summer School for Economic Reform” that took place in the Summer of 2020. That summer school is set to launch again this month. These opportunities contribute to the sustainability of the Girls for Change program and keep the momentum for motivated students to be part of a wider, active network of youth in their society.
“Girls for Change” served as an important platform for young women, as they connected with peers who share similar interests and learned new skills from experienced mentors. Through this initiative, CIPE contributed to elevating the voices of historically underrepresented members of the society and empowered young women to succeed in the work force.
Beyond “Girls for Change,” CIPE will continue to support advocacy of business priorities of youth and women in Georgia and throughout the world.
Published Date: August 27, 2021