Business women in the spotlight at a World Summit in Laval

From November 22 to 24, the first World Summit of thefemale entrepreneurship organized by the Support Center for Young Immigrant Women (CEJFI), at the Palace Convention Center in Laval.

For the director and founder of the Summit and the CEJFI, Régine Alende Tshombokongo, to get immigrant and marginalized women out of poverty, “the best way is entrepreneurship”.

For 25 years, her organization has been helping women access wealth and autonomy through this means. Training, psychological support, food assistance, daycare and more, this is how the organization intends to accomplish this goal.

After a world tour, Ms. Alende Tshombokongo noticed “that in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, there was a lack of immigrant and marginalized women.” Several reasons can explain this: discrimination, lack of access to financing and credit, religious barriers, the place of women in patriarchal societies.

This is why she decided to share both Canada’s expertise in social programs to help women, but also to draw inspiration from what is being done elsewhere.

The idea of ​​including digital technology was fundamental for the organizers.

“We cannot rely on artificial intelligence with the same biases,” summarized Martine Musau Muele, city councilor, Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension district in her speech.

Women’s literacy, especially digital and financial literacy, is a vital asset, according to Summit speakers.

Laval edition

Under the theme — in the digital age and globalization, what is the place of women entrepreneurs, black and rural women, in the global entrepreneurial ecosystem — the Summit wanted to focus on the conditions of black and rural women. bring about reflection on access to wealth.

The Summit welcomed dignitaries from Quebec, but also several women entrepreneurs and delegations from around ten countries, including Cameroon, Congo, Ivory Coast, France and Belgium.

The event was sponsored by entrepreneur Danièle Henkel and Laurentine Koa Fegue, president of women parliamentarians in the National Assembly of Cameroon. The latter was unable to travel due to a visa problem.

Programming

Spanning 3 days, the Summit featured several speeches, conferences, interviews and networking workshops.

On the first day, representatives of the countries participating in the Summit provided an overview of the situation of women entrepreneurs in their countries.

Almost all delegations reported difficulties with financing and accessibility to training. Women who lack education may have difficulty understanding the workings of the business environment and gaining respect there.

“You must be ready to always learn,” emphasized Danièle Henkel in a notable interview.

Several initiatives were put forward: pitch competition in Guadeloupe, government program in Senegal, or even support for black women in Belgium. These countries are trying to reverse the lack of women in business.

The second day focused on digital technology with conferences and workshops relating to artificial intelligence.

The third day was devoted to visiting two Laval companies, Cléroux greenhouses and Axia, which provide social reintegration.

Richer environment

President Alende includes her movement in the 30 articles of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

Because entrepreneurship helps to remove women from precarious situations in addition to making them less vulnerable to exploitation and violence.

In some countries, there is a lot of work to be done to change the image of women assigned to domestic tasks and obedient to their husbands.

It is also an advantage for the community as “black women bring expertise, vision, talent,” explains Régine Alende. According to figures in certain countries, their businesses are often more sustainable than those of men.

“For a first edition, we consider it a success,” rejoices Anda Besaki, member of the organizing committee. “People liked the themes chosen, appreciated the content, the richness of the interventions.”

However, there were not as many visitors as expected. Several visa problems, especially for people coming from Africa, prevented speakers from coming to Canadian soil. “The lesson we learned is to prepare even further in advance,” says Anda Besaki.

The committee hopes to be able to repeat the event over three days every two years and seek even more sponsorships and partners.