Theresa May launches Commonwealth female entrepreneurs fund
2 min read
Theresa May will today launch a £7 million fund to support female entrepreneurs across the Commonwealth.
The Prime Minster will say the scheme, named SheTrades, will help women in poorer countries “overcome barriers” to starting a business.
The announcement comes ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, set to take place in London this week.
As part of the bi-annual talks Mrs May will raise the issue of supporting female entrepreneurship as part of a wider discussion on the Commonwealth’s “vast potential” for future growth.
Writing in the Telegraph, International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt, and International Trade Secretary Liam Fox, said: “We must ensure that no one is left behind – that the potential contribution of women and girls is realised – if we are to achieve sustainable growth that is genuinely inclusive and reaches all corners of societies.”
To mark the opening of the CHOGM today, Mrs May will say in a speech: “Our Commonwealth family already accounts for one-fifth of global trade, and we must continue to work together to build further upon this solid foundation by building on our existing trade links and establishing new ones.
“I firmly believe that regardless of which corner of the Commonwealth you are from, we all will benefit from the jobs created by doing so.
“Every one of those new jobs will mean another family seeing their hard work rewarded, and the spread of greater opportunity.
“In taking decisive action today, we have begun a positive change which will echo through the generations.
“I am also proud that important action taken at this summit will mean that more women will be able to overcome barriers which keep them from participating in trade.”
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