Jakarta, 17 July 2023 (TDI): The Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Dr Kao Kim Hourn, and the Chair of ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network (AWEN), Dyah Anita Prihapsari, met today at the ASEAN Secretariat to discuss strategies for empowering women entrepreneurs in the region.
The courtesy call aimed to reinforce AWEN’s efforts in assisting women entrepreneurs and set the stage for the inaugural ASEAN Women CEO Forum, scheduled to be held in Jakarta in September this year.
During the meeting, both leaders exchanged views on bolstering AWEN’s role in supporting women entrepreneurs and promoting gender equality in the business landscape across ASEAN countries.
They recognized the significant contributions of women entrepreneurs to the region’s economic growth and emphasized the need to foster an enabling environment for their success.
Dr Kao Kim Hourn praised AWEN’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and affirmed ASEAN’s unwavering support in advancing gender inclusivity in the business world.
Chairperson Dyah Anita Prihapsari expressed her gratitude for the support received from ASEAN in AWEN’s mission.
She highlighted AWEN’s key focus areas, including mentorship programs, access to finance, and skill development workshops tailored to the needs of women entrepreneurs.
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The Secretary-General and Chairperson also deliberated on the preparations for the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in September, where the Women CEO Forum will be held.
The summit is anticipated to attract business leaders, investors, and policymakers from the region and beyond, creating opportunities for collaborations that empower women in business.
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The meeting between Dr Kao Kim Hourn and Dyah Anita Prihapsari reaffirmed the commitment of ASEAN and AWEN to empower women entrepreneurs.
By focusing on targeted strategies and collaborative efforts, the region seeks to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem that unlocks the full potential of women in business, ultimately driving sustainable economic growth and prosperity for all.
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