The Diversity Dividend: Why it pays to engage women-owned businesses in Southeast Asia

Singapore, October 9, 2025 — The Diversity Dividend: Why it Pays to Engage Women-Owned Businesses in Southeast Asia makes a powerful business case for advancing women-owned enterprises as strategic partners in global sourcing. Developed by Accenture, AmCham Singapore, and WEConnect International, the report draws on insights from Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia to show that supplier engagement with women-led companies is not just good ethics—it’s smart economics.

Women-owned businesses form the backbone of Southeast Asia’s US$4 trillion economy, leading over 60 million small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that fuel job creation, community well-being, and economic opportunity. Analysis of 631 companies reveals a striking insight: when suppliers increase women’s representation in leadership by just 5%, corporate revenue growth rises by 2.2 percentage points. The message is clear—empowering women suppliers directly drives competitive advantage, innovation, and supply chain resiliency.

Yet, the region’s potential remains underutilized. Many small businesses still face complex procurement systems, delayed payments, and limited access to capital and networks. Women entrepreneurs are eager to compete but need streamlined supplier discovery, faster payment terms, and targeted business development support to fully participate in global supply chains.

Forward-thinking companies are responding. A global consumer goods leader has pledged US$1 billion annually toward engaging local and underrepresented suppliers. Accenture’s Supplier Development Program (SDP) and Women of Worth (WOW) initiative are helping SMEs scale sustainably through mentorship, digital skills, and technical training—demonstrating that investing in local suppliers is investing in long-term prosperity.

The report calls on corporates, investors, and policymakers to embed responsible and sustainable sourcing within their global sourcing strategies. By unlocking the purchasing power of women-owned SMEs, Southeast Asia can build stronger, more competitive businesses—transforming supplier engagement into shared prosperity, innovation, and lasting economic impact.