Bogota, August 14, 2024. On August 20, the Bogota Chamber of Commerce (CCB) will hold the first Forum for Businesswomen and Entrepreneurs of Bogota and the Region, “Believe in You”, an event that aims to strengthen companies and entrepreneurships led by women, offering academic and networking spaces with activities specially designed to generate business opportunities and contribute to the reduction of the gender gap in the business world.

It is widely recognized that the inclusion of women in the labor market has a multiplier effect on the economy. When women have access to decent jobs and actively participate in the labor market, it generates more equitable economic growth and strengthens the social fabric. Women bring unique perspectives and valuable skills that, when integrated into the world of work and business, contribute to innovation, productivity and the sustainability of companies and communities.

Despite the progress made, there are still significant barriers that limit women's full participation in the labor market. These barriers include unequal access to resources, lack of training and career development opportunities, and gender discrimination in the workplace. It is therefore essential to create an environment that fosters inclusion and promotes women's leadership in all sectors.

In response to this need, the CCB has promoted the creation of the network of women entrepreneurs and businesswomen of Bogotá D.C. and the region, Cree en ti. This network is not only a strategic initiative, but it is also based on the Creo En Ti Law - Law 2125/21. This legislation establishes incentives for the creation, formalization and strengthening of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises led by women. In addition, the law urges us, together with other public and private sector actors, to formulate and implement public policies that promote entrepreneurship led by women and to create networks that facilitate their active participation in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

According to a study conducted by the Bogota Chamber of Commerce (CCB), women have limited participation in entrepreneurial leadership roles, which evidences the need to promote greater inclusion and gender equity in these spaces. In 2023, of the 495,981 registered commercial companies, women constitute 47.2% of the owners in natural persons and only 31.6% of the main legal representatives in legal entities.

Ovidio Claros Polanco, president of the Bogota Chamber of Commerce stated that “At the CCB we are committed to advancing Sustainable Development Goal #5, which promotes gender equality and the empowerment of all women. We firmly believe that by offering greater opportunities for inclusion to women, we not only contribute to improving their quality of life, but also generate positive impacts on the development of the city and the region.For this reason, our goal is to strengthen collaboration between business leaders and women entrepreneurs, improving their management and expanding their impact on society,” she said.

At this meeting, the CCB will focus on strengthening micro, small and medium-sized enterprises led by women, through an academic agenda that will include the participation of more than 30 panelists and leaders from different areas, including key topics such as the role of companies in gender equity, institutional support for female entrepreneurship, opportunities in supply chains, and experiences on new female leadership, along with training programs and access to financing.

The Forum will be attended by Carolina Salazar, Coordinator of the Sourcing2Equal Program in Colombia of the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank (IFC); Diana Mejía, Financial Inclusion Specialist, Development Bank of Latin America (CAF); Amelia Rey, Strategy Director and Chief of Staff Nubank; María José Naranjo Vice President of Corporate Strategy of Bancoldex; Adriana Senior, CEO of Corporación Colombia Internacional (CCI) and Director of the Regional Women's Committee, Women in Connection; and Sandra Suárez, Director of the Círculo de Mujeres community.

Also present will be Luisa Fernanda W, influencer and entrepreneur; Ángela Garzón, Vice President of Public-Private Articulation of the CCB; María Paz Gaviria, Platforms Manager of the CCB; Marcela García, Coordinator of Strategic Relations of the CCB; Nadia Blel, Senator of the Republic; Olga Lucía Velásquez, Representative to the Chamber; María del Pilar López, Secretary of Development of the Colombian Government; and Olga Lucía Velásquez, Representative to the Chamber of Deputies; María del Pilar López, Secretary of Economic Development; Betty Zorro, Secretary of Women of Cundinamarca; and Ángela Panqueva, Leader in Equity and Inclusion of Bancamía.During 2024, the CCB has supported more than 1,500 women entrepreneurs through initiatives such as Differential Attention Routes and Soft Skills Programs. It has also facilitated their participation in Employability and Marketing Fairs, and has been promoting the inclusion of Indigenous and Afro women in Bogota Fashion Week.