Economic disparities shadow Georgia’s progress towards meaningful gender equality and are particularly evident in the underrepresentation of women in entrepreneurial and economic activities. Women own only one-third of economically active enterprises and hold just 16.5 percent of top management positions in private companies (UN Women/ILO, 2023). Women comprise less than 25 percent of new enterprise owners and account for only 33.9 percent of Georgia’s formal economic participation (GEOSTAT, 2022).
In response to these challenges, UNDP and the Bank of Georgia (BOG), with support from Sweden, are actively working to level the business playing field in Georgia, empowering women entrepreneurs and providing them with the tools and resources to thrive in the business landscape.
On 18 June, more than 150 women entrepreneurs from twelve regions of Georgia gathered in Tbilisi for an inspiring forum. In a dynamic exchange of experiences and aspirations, women from diverse backgrounds shared their journeys of empowerment and business success. The event spotlighted the resilience and determination of Georgian women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
Participants, representing seven cohorts of the UNDP/BOG Women Entrepreneurs’ Development Programme, highlighted the impact of comprehensive training and mentorship in fostering new ventures and advancing existing businesses. The showcased success stories spanned multiple sectors, including tourism and hospitality, agriculture, textile, food and beverage, education, technology, and e-commerce, inspiring the audience to strive for more against the odds.
