ORGANIZATION OF WOMEN IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE (OWIT) AND WECONNECT INTERNATIONAL WILL COLLABORATE TO BOOST WOMEN BUSINESS OWNER’S ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH ACCESS TO NETWORKS AND MARKETS.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (PRWEB) JUNE 04, 2013
Networking, contacts and education for women business owners around the world will be strengthened as a result of an agreement signed in Washington, DC, by the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) and WEConnect International. Both organizations pursue activities that build economic parity and increase business opportunities for women.
Started in 1989, OWIT is dedicated to advancing global trade opportunities for businesswomen through its educational opportunities, global membership and 25 chapters worldwide. With a presence in 15 countries and self-registered businesses in over 50 countries, WEConnect International is connecting certified women’s business enterprises to multinational corporations inside a newly launched eNetwork: Global Directory of Women-Owned Businesses.
OWIT and WEConnect International will collaborate, initially for one year, to open up certification, membership, training and education to their respective memberships, according to a Memorandum of Understanding signed by both Presidents. “This is an exciting development since OWIT and WEConnect International are such complementary organizations,” says Angela Marshall Hofmann, President of OWIT International and VP Global Integrated Sourcing and Trade, with Walmart. “It gives OWIT the opportunity to tap into contacts and resources in countries where WEConnect International already has a presence and vice versa.”
Under the agreement, OWIT will help identify women business owners who would be suitable for WEConnect International certification, and WEConnect International will help identify businesses suitable for OWIT membership. They will also provide educational webinars on international trade-related topics and on certification.
“By working together, we can leverage our capabilities to provide growth-oriented women business owners around the world with more networks and resources to expand in the global marketplace,” adds Elizabeth Vazquez, CEO and Co-Founder of WEConnect International. “This will increase their participation in international trade and boost their economic contributions and empowerment.”
About OWIT
The Organization of Women in International Trade (http://www.owit.org) is a non-profit professional organization dedicated to advancing global trade opportunities for women by providing networking and educational opportunities. It has 25 active chapters worldwide and over 2,000 members, including entrepreneurs, executives, government representatives and service providers.
About WEConnect International
WEConnect International is a corporate-led non-profit that helps build sustainable communities by empowering women business owners to succeed in local and global markets. Since 2009, it has provided business education, certification, and business connections to companies based outside the United States that are at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by one or more women. WEConnect International corporate members represent $700 billion in annual purchasing power and are true pioneers in inclusive sourcing and global supplier development.
