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February 13, 2012 - February 18, 2012
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April 16, 2012 - April 20, 2012
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June 18, 2012 - June 21, 2012
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Why Gender Diversity Matters
Gender diversity matters in microfinance. WWB champions gender diversity because we believe that diverse perspectives lead to stronger decisions and healthier, more vibrant organizations. Incorporating women’s voices when designing and delivering microfinance products is particularly important when a majority of clients are women. Equally as important, microfinance clients often speak of the inspiration they derive from seeing powerful women leaders in the organizations that serve them. How best to achieve diversity? The answer lies in leadership and technical skill development of individual, high-potential leaders as well as in organizational transformations to ensure that all women and men work in environments where they can perform, excel and lead.
Featured Publication
“Transforming the Landscape of Leadership in Microfinance: Maintaining the Focus on Women” introduces WWB’s new methodology for helping MFIs support gender diversity at all levels of their institution. WWB has expanded its Women’s Leadership Development Program, which works with individuals, to include a tool that focuses on the challenges and opportunities microfinance institutions face in the attraction, retention, and promotion of qualified women staff members - the Organizational Gender Assessment. Now available in English and Spanish.
Leadership in Action: Mujer…Es: a Dream Come True for WWB Network Member
After participating in WWB’s Women’s Leadership Workshop in New York City in 2008, Margarita Gonzalez, Marketing Director for Fundación WWB Colombia, returned home motivated to teach other women about leadership and represent WWB Colombia on a public stage. The central theme of her efforts would be women and their contributions to creating a world with a gender focus. WWB Colombia has always supported new initiatives and Executive Director Dr. Clara de Akerman has always been a leader that inspires her staff to take action including taking advantage of opportunities for personal growth. Margarita’s creativity and dedication, and the support of WWB and Dr. Akerman, brought WWB Colombia’s television program—Mujer…Es—to life in December 2009.
The program is created for women entrepreneurs, highlighting the personal success stories of these tenacious and self-motivated leaders. The program consists of conversations with entrepreneurs and also provides viewers with valuable information about finance, health and beauty, and the value of a positive attitude. The program also educates viewers on topics including women’s rights legislation, how to handle sexism and how to motivate the spirit of entrepreneurship in the next generation of women.
WWB Colombia has received an exceptional public response and plans to continue using platforms such as Mujer Es… to contribute to the lives and success of women microentrepreneurs, to stimulate credit demand, and to position the brand of WWB Colombia as an institution that supports women and contributes to their growth and development.
Margarita Gonzalez and WWB Colombia invite you to watch the show, spread the word, and send your feedback by visiting www.programamujeres.com