ITC-ILO and Microsoft Launch New Digital Business Training for Women Entrepreneurs

The Women in Digital Business Initiative (WIDB) has launched an online training program to empower women entrepreneurs in the digital economy. Organized by the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (ITC-ILO) and Microsoft Philanthropies, with support from the ILO’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Development Programme, this self-paced training aims to expand the initiative by equipping selected candidates to train others in their countries and organize trainings for women entrepreneurs. The program runs through June and July 2024, with courses in English, Spanish, and French.

Selected through a competitive process, 163 participants (72% women and 28% men) from 12 countries attended the first session in English. They explored WIDB’s approach and met the team. The training includes self-guided modules with videos, case studies, and interactive webinars led by WIDB experts. The content focuses on digital transformation strategies such as building an online presence, boosting online sales, and adapting business processes.

WIDB lead trainers will use the platform and methodologies to train at least five other trainers and about 30 women entrepreneurs within a year, expanding the network and facilitating digital skills essential for business growth. Since 2022, 800 trainers have supported over 6,000 women entrepreneurs.

“There are very few digital skills programmes for women entrepreneurs in the developing world. We decided to take on this challenge by developing a comprehensive methodology and training partners globally to implement it. This way, we have been able to offer a common, adaptable approach, ensuring that women entrepreneurs across Africa, Asia, and Latin America can access the support they need to achieve their goals through digitalization.”

Carlo Maria Delù, Project Manager, Women in Digital Business Initiative