Its release coincides with International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on 8 March, which this year is themed ‘Accelerate Action’ to emphasize the importance of taking swift action to achieve gender equity.

WiSER’s White Paper underscores the vital role of female entrepreneurs in advancing climate solutions and offers key recommendations to close gender gaps in finance, scalability, AI, integration, mentorship and accessibility – especially for women in the Global South.

It builds on insights gathered during the 2025 WiSER Annual Forum at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), which brought together over 100 global leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to explore the transformative role of women in advancing the global sustainability agenda. With the theme, ‘Igniting a Global Sustainable Economy,’ the Forum emphasized the need to empower female entrepreneurs as catalysts for climate innovation and sustainable development.

The report outlines five key recommendations to empower female entrepreneurs in climate action by enhancing access to finance, scalability, AI enablement, networks, and accessibility, ensuring they have the resources, opportunities, and support needed to succeed and scale their impact:

• Increase Gender-Focused Investment: Expand funding and financial literacy programs to support female-led climate ventures, with a focus on gender-lens financing and microloans for adaptations projects.
• Scale Women-Led Climate Ventures: Streamline policies, enhance infrastructure, and foster partnerships to help female entrepreneurs expand their solutions.
• Harness AI and Digital Tools: Improve AI literacy and access to AI-driven technologies to support business growth and market entry.
• Strengthen Mentorship and Networking: Establish mentorship programs and cross-sector collaborations to provide women with the resources to succeed.
• Empower Women in the Global South: Address legal and financial barriers, invest in STEM education and improve access to markets and resources.

Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director of Brand & Strategic Initiatives at Masdar and Program Director of WiSER, said: “This White Paper demonstrates the transformative power of female entrepreneurs in driving the global sustainable economy. By fostering an inclusive ecosystem that supports female-led innovation, we can unlock new economic opportunities, accelerate sustainable development, and ensure female entrepreneurs have the tools and investment they need to lead in shaping a more resilience and prosperous future.”

WiSER remains committed to empowering women as sustainability leaders through its pioneering initiatives, including the WiSER Pioneers program and WiSER Cares. The findings of this report will help shape future initiatives, ensuring that female entrepreneurs receive the recognition, resources and opportunities needed to lead global climate action.

To download the white paper, click here.

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The entities hosted three workshops across Jeddah, Riyadh, and Khobar, with more than 100 participants across all the cities. Each workshop enabled the opportunity to foster connections among women from around the Kingdom, offering participants access to all-important learning and networking. The competition held at each workshop also provided the opportunity for one winner form each city to be granted the mentorship program.

Reima Sras, founder of Buthoor Tech, Munirah Alkadi, founder of Mawsim, and Sarah Albaiz, founder of Qantara Studio were selected as the competition’s three winners, each being enrolled on the innovative ‘Her Voice’ mentorship program facilitated by Blossom Accelerator.

Each participant was evaluated based on leadership, product viability in the market, business model strength, and other key criteria.

“As more Saudi women take the reins of leadership and drive the future of the Kingdom’s SME space, we must work to ensure that we continue pioneering innovative programs that bridge the entrepreneurship gender gap,” said Maria Medvedeva, Country Manager, Saudi Arabia, Mastercard. “At Mastercard, we believe collaboration is crucial to launching the effective platforms required to accomplish this goal, and we are pleased to have partnered with Saudia and Blossom Accelerator to empower even more women for season three of ‘Her Voice’. We look forward to seeing our mentees grow, flourish and thrive, realizing their considerable potential and serving as champions of Saudi female excellence.”

Essam Akhonbay, Vice President of Marketing at Saudia, stated: “As Saudi Arabia’s national flag carrier, we are deeply invested in the nation’s future and believe women are central to its success. Through ‘Her Voice,’ we empower female entrepreneurs to thrive, inspiring future generations and creating pathways for small businesses to prosper. By showcasing their remarkable stories on our in-flight entertainment system, we not only highlight their achievements but also reinforce Saudia’s commitment to promoting local content that fuels economic growth and social progress.”

“At Blossom Accelerator, we are proud to be a global leader in driving inclusive innovation, recognizing that diverse perspectives are key to unlocking economic potential and maximizing investment returns. Our mission is to empower female-led startups across the globe, equipping them with the essential tools and resources to excel in the competitive digital economy,” said Emon Shakoor, CEO & Founder. “We are thrilled to partner with Mastercard for the third season of ‘Her Voice,’ a strategic initiative aimed at amplifying the impact of women-led startups and SMEs. Through our comprehensive mentorship program, we provide participants with critical insights, invaluable experiences, and powerful connections to enhance their growth and attract investment.”

‘Her Voice’ season three shed an informative light on the stories of five guests — five inspiring women — showcasing how their love for their respective passions drove them to overcome the various hurdles they faced and attain unprecedented success.

The season focused on connecting people to their passions, with each episode exploring a different passion point, namely: “Gaming,” “Tech,” “Sustainability,” “Culinary,” and “Sport”. Over the course of each interview, guests recounted their personal and professional journeys in their own voices in conversation with the host, renowned Saudi actress and broadcaster, Danyah Shafei.

To tune into ‘Her Voice’ seasons, please click here: https://www.priceless.com/m/hervoice

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This initiative is part of a strategic partnership between the two entities designed to empower women in the retail sector, both locally and internationally. The partnership, which commenced a year ago, has successfully launched 18 home grown brands to date in three batches, offering Emirati women entrepreneurs a platform to enter the competitive retail space. By showcasing their unique products at the ETHER store in Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi, these entrepreneurs are reaching broader audiences and cementing their presence in key commercial markets across the UAE.

Nema F. Al Aghbari, Marketing & Membership Manager at the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council said, “The launch of the third round of Abu Dhabi based female-owned startups highlights our unwavering commitment to fostering the growth of women in business. We’re very proud of the work they’ve done thus far, these entrepreneurs are entering innovative and sustainable fields, contributing fresh perspectives to the market. Notably, our partnership with ETHER by Cloud Spaces has been vital in providing them with the tools and guidance needed to excel. The new brands unveiled at the ETHER shop are a testament to the endless creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of our female entrepreneurs in Abu Dhabi. We’re delighted to not only celebrate the launch of the six brands, but also celebrate the diverse talents and passions of their female founders.”

Malak Smejkalova, Senior Director of Innovation at ETHER by Cloud Spaces, expressed her support, she commented, “The newly launched brands, which were unveiled at the ETHER shop, are a testament to the creativity and drive of female entrepreneurs right here in Abu Dhabi. I am in awe of the hard work and dedication this amazing group of women are putting in. We look forward to welcoming guests into ETHER to view the new collections, we have everything from handmade candles to fabrics to plant-based, sustainable beauty products.”

The Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council continues to play a pivotal role in mentoring and guiding female-owned businesses, ensuring they can seamlessly integrate into the retail sector and succeed in the highly competitive marketplace. As raising women’s awareness to turn to entrepreneurship as a professional path is one of the Council’s main objectives, the Council will continue to support female entrepreneurs to overcome any challenges and achieve sustainable growth.

The latest set of brands launched showcase a wide variety of goods and products. These include locally designed handmade candles from Yas Candlz, plant-based sustainable beauty products from Lolita Glem, and high-quality elegant fabrics and abaya designs from Aura, to creative ceramics combining traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics from Khazaf, as well as two brands that celebrate Emirati heritage and Arab hospitality, Jthoor, which offers unique gifts and souvenirs that reflect the country’s cultural legacy and Hope Gifts, a creatively crafted and distinctive gift collections.

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The funding round is specifically designed to help female-led startups in the UAE overcome financial barriers and scale their businesses. It reflects FasterCapital’s ongoing efforts to contribute to the UAE’s vision of gender balance and economic diversification.

“We are delighted to launch this funding round in celebration of Emirati Women’s Day, a day that highlights the remarkable achievements of women in our nation,” said Hesham Zreik, CEO of FasterCapital. “By supporting female entrepreneurs, we aim to empower the next generation of women leaders who will drive the UAE’s economic and social progress.”

Applications for this exclusive funding opportunity will open today and close on the 30th of September 2024. Selected startups will receive access to financial and legal support, mentorship, networking opportunities, matching with investors and strategic resources designed to accelerate their growth and impact.

“This initiative underscores our belief that Emirati women are a vital force in shaping the future,” added Sonia Judith, Program Manager at FasterCapital. “We are committed to providing them with the support they need to succeed in the competitive business landscape.”

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Calling all female entrepreneurs who’ve been in business for at least a year—this is your chance to refine your perfect elevator pitch and win a life-changing prize! Deirdre King, Managing Director of Jacaranda FM, highlights the significance of this initiative: “Women who are purposeful in bolstering the economy are also hiring other women, creating stronger communities of female entrepreneurs as they connect through #HerPerfectPitch2024.”

How to Enter
Visit Jacaranda FM and share:

• What your business is about
• Why your business is important
• How it gives back to the community
• What assistance you need to bring your business purpose to life
• Submit a complete company profile, including details about your business, staff, and a business plan.

Entries open: 31 August 2024.

The Competition Journey

• Top 30 Selection: From all entries, 30 exceptional entrepreneurs will be selected. These top 30 will meet at a special breakfast event, where they’ll participate in a pitching workshop.
• Top 10 Finalists: From the top 30, a distinguished panel will choose the top 10 businesses. These finalists will present their elevator pitches and business overviews in a ‘shark-tank’ style setting.
• Final Showdown: The top 3 will be selected, with the grand winner announced at a special #HerPerfectPitch event and on-air during Jacaranda FM’s award-winning show, Breakfast with Martin Bester.

The Grand Prize
The grand prize winner will receive:

• R500,000 worth of advertising on Jacaranda FM
• Conceptualisation, production, and creation of a radio advert, plus digital amplification
• Six-week mentorship
• Tailor-made business model
• Research consultation
• Branding consultation
• Digital and PR consultation

Top 10 Perks
Each of the top 10 finalists will also receive R100,000 worth of airtime on Jacaranda FM!

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Expansion in business: How local entrepreneurs can go global
Jennifer Blandos, founder of Female Fusion, a global professional network for business women; Mariam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of the Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC); and Natasha Hatherall Shawe, Founder of Tish Tash PR Agency in Dubai, offered a broad perspective on the subject to moderator Reim El Houni, a TV media consultant and founder or Ti22 Films.

Blandos highlighted the importance of understanding market demand for successful international expansion. “Study the market, understand the demand for your product, and establish partnerships with local organisations,” she advised, underlining the role of digital platforms in facilitating global business without the necessity of physical offices in different countries.In contrast, Bin Alshaikh focused on the significance of community building and the support of a reliable team in different markets. “A great team is essential for success in various markets,” she said, noting the importance of a strong, value-aligned team for international expansion.

On the challenges and learning curves of operating in different countries, Shawe mentioned the variance in market strategies and the need for adaptation, saying, “Every market is different, requiring a unique approach.” Blandos shared her experiences with unforeseen challenges in various markets, while Alshaikh emphasised the importance of changing narratives and perceptions in international markets.

Technology plays a paramount role in communication and spreading team culture across different markets, the panellists agreed, especially for people-focused businesses. Blandos, whose business is tech-driven, shared her enthusiasm for digital tools that facilitate business scaling and efficiency.

Shawe reflected on her unexpected entrepreneurial journey, leading to the expansion of her PR agency across multiple countries: “I started as a freelancer, and now, 12 years later, we have offices in three countries and plans for a fourth”. Her strategy involved leveraging a mix of in-house and freelance professionals, and exploring new markets before establishing formal offices.

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The exhibition, which is a part of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council’s Mubdi’ah program, will see the participation of more than 30 Emirati Female entrepreneurs who hold a “Mubdi’ah” license. The license allows them to conduct commercial activities from their homes and aims to support the ideas and initiatives of female citizens to invest in private projects.

The organization of the Mubdi’ah – Ramadan and Eid 2024 exhibition is a result of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council’s commitment to supporting up-and-coming small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and establishments owned and managed by Emirati Female entrepreneurs. This event is also part of the Council’s diligent initiatives that enable female innovators in Abu Dhabi to develop their businesses, promote their products, and strengthen their network of commercial relationships, in line with the government’s visions and directives for advancing the vital entrepreneurship sector.

Her Excellency Asma Al Fahim, Chairwoman of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, emphasized the Council’s steadfast commitment to championing female entrepreneurs through the Mubdi’ah Exhibition, a pivotal event drawing interest from diverse segments of the Abu Dhabi community.

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These jars highlight each woman’s heart-warming story and aim to support their families with earned income. The artisanal products these five women will be selling include culinary delights such as makdous eggplant, zaatar, dried orange bitter peels, sumac, and pumpkin jam and are now available on shelves at select Carrefour branches in Lebanon starting from January 22, 2024.

Puck is launching the initiative in light of the economic crisis in Lebanon, which has left a staggering 63% of women unemployed – as stated in a report by UN Women. This is particularly prevalent in the remote regions of Lebanon where job opportunities have reached an all-time low. As a result, women across Lebanon’s villages have resorted to selling ‘mouneh’ to their communities as a means of earning a basic income. Puck noticed the initiative these women were taking towards supporting their families and decided to encourage them to continue pursuing homegrown forms of income by providing jars and shelf space for their products.

Yahia Adel Z AlSharif, Head of Category at Arla Foods, expressed enthusiasm for this campaign, stating: “Puck’s proactive efforts towards community-wide sustainable consumer behaviour aim to generate positive change on a socioeconomic and environmental level. It is inspiring to see Puck take steps through ongoing campaigns to encourage mindful habits by reusing its glass jars whilst also supporting and empowering Lebanon’s women-led local artisanal businesses.”

And this is just the beginning. Puck understands the importance of female empowerment in society and has announced that the ‘Selfless Shelves’ initiative is a pilot for more programs that the brand intends to roll out in the future, to continue taking conscious steps towards the improvement of women’s wellbeing by providing them with healthier products, a variety of offerings and inspirational recipes.

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The project will reach a total of 5,000 mentors, including 1,750 female entrepreneurs, and especially those incorporating sustainability into their business models, to help close the gap in social capital for underrepresented global entrepreneurs.

The support from the Google.org Fellowship builds on a $1 million grant from Google.org to support MicroMentor’s work to increase the knowledge and adoption of sustainable business practices for MSMEs in the region.

“We are thrilled to receive this support from Google.org to help expand access to mentorship for female entrepreneurs in the MENA region,“ said Anita Ramachandran, Executive Director of MicroMentor. “By leveraging Google’s technical expertise and resources, we can overcome geographical limitations and deliver business resources at scale to under-resourced communities through mentoring.”

Martin Roeske, Google’s Government Affairs and Public Policy Director for MENA said “At Google, we believe that successful, sustained business mentorship can drive significant outcomes for mentees. By supporting MicroMentor with our most valuable resource – our Google tech experts – we hope to make a contribution to their goal of supporting green businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs in the region.”

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She’s Next, empowered by Visa, is a global advocacy program that aims to support women-owned small businesses through funding, training and mentorship. From today and until June 23, 2023, women entrepreneurs from all industries and sectors in UAE can apply to She’s Next. One winner will receive a grant of USD50,000, a tailored training program, and access to She’s Next Club resources such as a workshop library and community of entrepreneurs.

Salima Gutieva, Vice President and Country Manager for the UAE, Visa, commented: “We’re proud to bring the second edition of our successful ‘She’s Next’ program to the UAE, in partnership with FAB.”

She’s Next is part of Visa’s efforts to support digitalization of women-owned businesses and features the launch of Visa’s first Women SMB Digitalization Index. The Index scores businesses based on 5 indicators: online presence, digital payments acceptance, payment security awareness, customer engagement, and customer retention. For the UAE, the index reveals women-owned businesses scored highest in digital marketing, online presence and customer engagement.

Gutieva added: “Women entrepreneurs face unique challenges, such as limited access to capital, and dealing with stereotypes, which often complicate the already complex digitalization journey in today’s business landscape. The Women SMB Digitalization Index reinforces the critical importance of this shift, and showcases the progress made by UAE-based women-owned businesses in joining the digital economy.”

Sara Al Binali, Group Head of Corporate, Commercial, and International Banking at FAB, said: “As a bank that is value driven, strategically driven, and forward driven, FAB recognizes the essential role that SME’s and women will play in shaping the future for sustainable growth. Through our partnership with Visa, the She’s Next initiative is unlocking the potential of female entrepreneurs, and is already supporting capable, ambitious women in achieving their goals. We are very proud to continue our support for She’s Next, empowering talented women to take their businesses to the next level and creating new opportunities across our community.”

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