Advancing Gender Equity through Global Collaboration: A Strategic Meeting between BRICS WBA South Africa and the Embassy of Colombia

On August 30, a significant exploratory meeting was convened at the Embassy of Colombia in South Africa, bringing together key stakeholders from BRICS Women’s Business Alliance (WBA) South Africa and the Government of Colombia. The meeting, led by Her Excellency Mme Maria del Rosario Mina Rojas, Ambassador of Colombia to South Africa, with the support of Ms. María Fernanda Reyes Roa, Executive Director of the Free and Productive Woman Fund, and Mr. Iván Mendoza-Benitez, Commercial and Cultural Attaché, underscored the vital importance of strategic international partnerships in advancing global gender equity.

The discussions reflected the strong, evolving bilateral relations between South Africa and Colombia, rooted in shared values of mutual respect and a commitment to sustainable development. These cordial relations are not merely symbolic but are actively contributing to the economic prosperity and global standing of both nations, particularly in driving inclusive growth and fostering peace.

Central to the agenda was the exploration of extending the reach of the Fondo Mujer initiative into the African continent. Spearheaded by Ms. María Fernanda Reyes Roa, Fondo Mujer is a critical Colombian public policy instrument designed to enhance women’s economic autonomy. By providing specialized diagnostics, technical assistance, financial resources, and opportunities for commercial connections, Fondo Mujer addresses the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in growing their businesses.

The discussions also included the potential establishment of a BRICS WBA regional office in Colombia, facilitated through the Brazilian Office of BRICS WBA, as well as cooperation on various strategic initiatives. These initiatives encompass the creation of bilateral women entrepreneurs networks, organizing trade missions, developing access to finance programs, implementing capacity-building and training opportunities, and encouraging the utilization of e-commerce platforms to facilitate trade between women-led SMEs in Colombia, Africa and the broader BRICS nations.

This meeting, held on the closing day of Women’s Month in South Africa, represents a progressive step towards deepening the collaboration between South Africa and Colombia, with a focus on empowering women entrepreneurs. The strategic partnerships forged through these discussions will not only strengthen the economic ties between the Colombia and the African continent but also serve as a catalyst for advancing gender equity on a global scale through the BRICS WBA platform.

Through strategic collaboration, we are building a future where gender equity is not just a goal but a global standard.