CORPORATIONS ANSWER GLOBAL CITIZENS’ CALL TO BUY WOMEN OWNED

(September 23, 2016 – NEW YORK) WEConnect International corporate members Johnson & Johnson, UPS and Walmart made a $300 million commitment to buy from women suppliers, especially those in developing countries, at the Global Citizen Summit on Thursday night. Through their commitments, these corporations have shown their leadership in the global movement to empower women entrepreneurs.

“For more women to enter global supply chains as suppliers and fully benefit from economic development, we need the support of influential global corporations and global citizens like you to set a precedent,” said WEConnect International CEO and Co-Founder Elizabeth A. Vazquez. “We are thrilled to stand with our members Johnson & Johnson, Walmart and UPS as they announce a multi-million-dollar commitment at the Global Citizen Summit to source more products and services from women-owned businesses over the next three years.”

Girls and women represent 70% of the world’s extreme poor, in part due to their lack of access to the opportunities and assets necessary to move up the economic ladder. Increasing women’s economic opportunity and income through entrepreneurship leads to job creation and poverty reduction, as women reinvest the majority of their income back into their families and communities.

Everyday consumers are standing up to make women’s economic empowerment and global poverty alleviation a reality. Prior to the Summit, more than 5,000 global citizens signed a petition to support women-owned businesses and called on corporations to source more products and services from women.

WEConnect International identifies, educates and certifies women’s business enterprises that are at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by one or more women, and connects them with member buyers. WEConnect International members are committed to inclusive sourcing and represent over US$1 trillion in annual purchasing power. WEConnect International supports and promotes women-owned businesses in over 100 countries.

CONTACT: Cate Urban | Director of Communications | WEConnect International |  +1 202 810 6009 | curban@weconnectinternational.org