Reach for Change, a global non-profit organization hosted the second edition of Partnering for Change, a thought leadership event aimed at promoting a fairer and more sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa.
Partnering for Change is a program aimed at supporting grassroots entrepreneurs, unleashing the power of local social entrepreneurs through capacity-building and ecosystem development programs.
The initiative seeks to reduce poverty, inequality, and climate change, with a particular focus on the impact these issues have on children and youth.
This year’s edition, which was held on March 5, focused on empowering women entrepreneurs in West Africa. The event brought together stakeholders to examine the systemic barriers that hinder women’s economic progress in West Africa and to seek innovative solutions for transformative change.
This year’s theme, “Women, Economic Empowerment, and Systems Change,” emphasized the importance of collaboration between public, private, and social sector actors to ensure inclusion and equity within the entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Sofia Breitholtz, CEO of Reach for Change, mentioned that the NGO is passionate about promoting women entrepreneurs.
“Women are powerhouses. They do not only contribute equally to the economy but other aspects that we have in the world,” she said.
Madam Breitholtz added that the government has a role to play in addressing systemic barriers that prevent women from accessing finance and markets.
’The government needs to develop conducive policies to support women,” she recommended.
The event featured distinguished speakers who shared their insights and expertise on how to tackle the systemic challenges that women entrepreneurs face in accessing their economic rights.
Naa Anyele Perbi Co-founder and CEO, Perbi Cubs urged women to stay focused on their entrepreneurial aspirations.
‘Women entrepreneurs face a lot of challenges, but women must realize that we are all gifted and have what it takes to reach our potential,” she stated.
With support from the BMW Foundation, Scania West Africa, and WIDU, Reach for Change is committed to unleashing the power of local social entrepreneurs to reduce poverty, inequality, and climate change affecting children and youth.
