High level Conference on Fostering Women Participation in Economic life

About the Conference

The UfM Secretariat organises a High-level Conference on Fostering Women’s Participation in Economic Life on 19 to 21 May 2015 in Barcelona.

Building on the outcomes of the first Conference on women empowerment held last 26-27 March 2014 and as renewed follow-up to the Third UfM Ministerial Conference on Strengthening the Role of Women in Society (Paris, 11 September 2013), the Conference will bring together regional key actors to identify the opportunities and challenges ahead and formulate strategic recommendations to promote inclusive growth and gender equality as a crucial factor for political, social and economic development.

Discussions will focus on the sectors and niches that today present more opportunities and potential in terms of job creation and entrepreneurial openings for women, including:

Social and solidarity economy (SSE),
Green economy,
ICTs opportunities
Role of media.

Over 250 representatives from key stakeholders involved in women socio-economic empowerment issues will attend the UfM Conference, including some of the most relevant women empowerment experts from national institutions of the UfM member states, international development agencies, private sector and civil society organisations. The event will also promote B2B and networking meetings in order to set projects and innovative cooperation initiatives in motion.

Objectives of the Conference

The Conference seeks to achieve 3 objectives:

Provide a platform for dialogue between relevant stakeholders in the field of the economic participation of women including governments, international organisations, donors and civil society representatives to discuss how to reinforce synergies and increase impact.
Share experiences and best practices and identify new and innovative opportunities which are potentially job-generating and gather entrepreneurial openings for women.
Promote new regional projects and innovative initiatives and facilitate networking and partnerships between project promoters and donors.

Conference booklet with detailed agenda