Gender bias - it’s an issue that comes up often in conversation when I speak with my fellow women entrepreneurs across the African continent. And, it’s something many women entrepreneurs will tell you they have experienced on their business building journeys. So today, as the world wakes up to International Women’s Day (IWD) at a time when there are unprecedented challenges at a socio-economic, political and humanitarian level, it has never been more necessary to advocate for a world free of bias for women. This year’s IWD theme #BreakTheBias calls upon everyone to work tirelessly and at speed to achieve a diverse, equitable, inclusive and gender equal world, one that is free of bias. I am a firm believer in the power of data to change entrenched attitudes and bias towards women entrepreneurs on the African continent, particularly when it comes to getting access to business opportunities and funding. So we have chosen International Women’s Day to launch our 100 Lionesses Business Confidence Report, financed by The African Development Bank’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative (read more). It makes for insightful and encouraging reading on a day when we need corporate and financial decision-makers to better understand the significant impact that women entrepreneurs make to the growth of the African continent. So let’s #BreakTheBias, because when women thrive, the continent thrives.

Have yourself an inspired International Women’s Day!

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