"Enhancing Women's Economic Empowerment through Entrepreneurship in the midst of China's New Urbanization"Project Officially Launched
The launching ceremony of the project “Enhancing Women’s Economic Empowerment through Entrepreneurship in the midst of China’s New Urbanization” was held on January 17th, 2014. Led by China Development Research Foundation (CDRF) and the global leading investment bank Goldman Sachs, the project officially started the very first comprehensive research on the development mode of Chinese women. Mr. Lu Mai, Secretary General of CDRF and Mr. Mark Schwartz, Vice Chairman of the Goldman Sachs and Chairman of Goldman Sachs Asia Pacific had cordial talks on the project.
Using first hand material, the project will conduct in-depth research on women entrepreneurship in the midst of China’s urbanization. Comparative studies of relevant issues and policies will be carried out from the perspective of how entrepreneurship and leadership strengthen women economic empowerment. Main characters, challenges and impacts of Chinese women entrepreneurship will also be analyzed. The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Initiative in China will be analyzed as a case study to address how feasible policies and innovative solutions can support a better development mode and entrepreneurial ecosystem for women, which would further stimulate their potential and promote inclusive and sustainable development.
Mr. Lu Mai said at the ceremony, “Women entrepreneurship and leadership is a highly prospective subject, and also an integral part to inclusive development. China is now in the middle of rapid economic development and readjustment of the pattern of social benefits. As the core members of the family, personal qualities, health and happiness of women have a direct impact on family harmony and the healthy development of youths; and as members of society, women development plays a critical role in social development. That is why women in China hold up half the sky for completing the building of a moderately prosperous society as well as modernization. Thus, providing stronger support, better service and training for women employment and entrepreneurship are critical in helping them develop their adaptability and competitiveness. This research project is an extension of CDRF’s dedication to development issues. The project opens up an entirely new perspective for research—promoting women’s participation in social and economic development through fostering entrepreneurship. CDRF fully recognizes the accomplishments 10,000 Women have achieved in China and the world, and we appreciate Goldman Sachs’s effort in supporting public policy. We look much forward to our cooperation with Goldman Sachs.”
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Initiative was launched in March 2008. This 5-year, $100 million global initiative aims to bring about greater shared prosperity by providing 10,000 underserved women entrepreneurs with a business and management education. Mr. Schwartz commented, “Goldman Sachs actively engages in the advancement of shared and sustainable global economic development. Our investment in women entrepreneurs shows our dedication in the issue of entrepreneurship and economic opportunities. 10,000 Women’s growth in the past 5 years in China exemplifies women entrepreneurs’ impact in creating jobs, promoting harmonious development of communities and China’s overall economic development.”
Research by Goldman Sachs shows that gender-balanced development goes hand in hand with the rapid growth of the world’s middle class, and economic development is highly correlated with the continuous improvement of gender equality. “As the Chinese government seeks to deepen social and economic reform, this project has seized the unprecedented opportunity and aims at providing policy makers and practitioner with innovative solutions to further release women’s potential. Goldman Sachs always values deep and solid research, and we are very honored to work with CDRF on this important project”, remarked Mr. Schwartz.
Following the launching ceremony was the first workshop of the project. Over ten experts from international organizations, governmental and academic institutions were invited to have in-depth discussions on how to enhance women’s participation in promoting economic development and employment in the midst of China’s new urbanization. Discussions focus on aspects including Chinese women’s development and entrepreneurship status, entrepreneurship and leadership and the development of SMEs. The full report of the project will be released in the first half of 2014.
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Initiative
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Initiative was launched in March 2008. This 5-year, $100 million global initiative aims to bring about greater shared prosperity by providing 10,000 underserved women entrepreneurs with a business and management education, access to mentors and networks and links to capital. The Initiative has collaborated with over 90 local academic and non-governmental institutions, and more than 9,000 women from 43 countries have benefited from the project since it was launched. Starting from 2008, through working with local and international business schools, 10,000 Women has initiated 5 projects in Beijing, Hangzhou, Chengdu and Kunming, hoping to help women who missed traditional business education out of economic and realistic constraints to widen their horizon. Up till now, training programs have covered over 2,100 female owners of small businesses from 31 provinces in China.
For more information about 10,000 Women Initiative, please visit www.10000women.org.
