Anu Shah of EFI Hub on how new entrepreneurship initiative can help spur gender parity in Africa

In a bid to address the gender parity gap in Africa and Asia, a new entrepreneurship initiative is on the horizon, aiming to impact the lives of 3 million women. Anu Shah, the CEO of EFI Hub, sheds light on the program's potential and its focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. Shah, who is working in an advisory support role as an honorary position with the United Nations, is part of a core team under the Office of Assistant Secretary-General. The team is dedicated to designing a program that will pave the way for gender parity in war-torn countries. According to Shah, the program's foundation lies in establishing financial independence for women, a crucial component in achieving gender equality. She emphasizes that without financial autonomy, women face challenges in attaining parity in their daily lives. Shah highlights the unique obstacles faced by women in conflict-ridden regions, such as Africa and Central Asia, where factors like limited educational infrastructure, civil unrest, and early marriages contribute to hindering women's advancement. Many young girls drop out of school at a tender age due to these circumstances, ultimately leading to a cycle of limited opportunities and lower earnings. Shah underscores the significance of entrepreneurship as a pathway to circumvent these challenges. Citing the example of a Women's Cooperative Bakery in Rwanda, mentored by EFI Hub, Shah illustrates how cooperative business models can empower women economically and provide avenues for self-reliance. She emphasizes the need for tailored support and education for women entrepreneurs to overcome barriers such as lack of knowledge, capital, and confidence. The upcoming initiative spearheaded by Shah and the UN Assistant Secretary General aims to create lasting solutions for women by focusing on cooperative businesses. The program, slated for a pilot launch in Mali pending funding approval, envisions impacting three million women in its inaugural year. Through partnerships in sectors like agriculture and fishing, the initiative plans to impart not only livelihood opportunities but also literacy, financial literacy, and health education to participants. Reflecting on her experiences working with refugees in Rwanda, Shah expresses deep admiration for their resilience and hard work despite challenging circumstances. She acknowledges the humility and life lessons gained from interacting with the refugee community. As the initiative progresses, Shah envisions forming an implementation team, securing funding, and appointing country heads to oversee the program's rollout in targeted regions.