Empowering women in emerging economies.

The Global Women's Economic Empowerment Initiative (GWEE)—a partnership with the Asia Pacific World Economic Council (APEC), the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA), and the IIB—teaches women entrepreneurs in developing countries how to start and sustain their own micro-ventures.

The program includes:

• Six 3-hour on-site training sessions delivered by entrepreneurs
• Comprehensive audio visual and written materials
• Practical, video-based standardized training content

On-site trainers:

• Lead experiential activities
• Serve as mentors and resource finders
• Facilitate peer-to-peer collaboration and problem solving

The sessions span several weeks or months, providing women the time to do each section as it is taught and complete follow-up assignments. The goal is that the women complete the training feeling confident, knowledgeable, and ready to hit the ground running to start businesses that last. This initiative began in Malaysia in 2011, with plans to expand. Participant decisions are made by APEC and WFDSA.