U.S. embassy launches academy to train women entrepreneurs in Somalia

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Women entrepreneurs in Somalia will benefit from entrepreneurial training thanks to the launch of the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE).

The U.S. embassy in Mogadishu announced Tuesday the launch of AWE noting it ‘showcases its commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and gender equality.’

According to a statement from the embassy, AWE, a global initiative led by the U.S. Department of State, empowers women with vital entrepreneurial training, helping them to advance their businesses and contribute to their communities

It noted that the first cohort of AWE trainees comprises 30 selected women entrepreneurs ‘who will participate in a four-month Dream Builder entrepreneurship program starting in September.’

Somali organization iRise Hub Foundation will facilitate the program. U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Shane Dixon said the programme will be instrumental in supporting the future of entrepreneurship in Somalia.

“These 30 women embody Somalia’s promise for the future,” said Dixon. “Their dedication, innovation, and collaborative spirit exemplify the qualities that will propel not only their communities but also the entire nation towards a brighter tomorrow.”

AWE gives enterprising women the knowledge, networks and access they need to launch and scale successful businesses.  By promoting women’s economic opportunities and ensuring that women have the capabilities and resources needed to participate in the economy, the AWE program directly supports the U.S. National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality.  At a local level, AWE harnesses the power of public-private sponsors, local partnerships and U.S. Exchange Alumni networks to help women and their businesses grow, driving localized prosperity in communities in more than 80 countries worldwide.