New chapters to expand your global network…virtual happy hours to connect with members around the world…a celebration of OWIT small businesses….this and more from OWIT International. Here are some highlights:

• Welcome aboard to OWIT Ecuador and OWIT South Africa, two new chapters joining the OWIT International family this spring.

• Virtual happy hours called Happy-Her-Hour for members are starting, which will be a great way to connect with other members around the world. Check events in the OWIT site in August for details on when and how to participate in the next one.

• Washington, DC was the host city for the Spring board meeting that attracted chapter representatives from around the world.  The fall board meeting will take place in Geneva immediately following the WTO Public Forum the end of September. 

• In honour of MSME Day, OWIT International hosted a virtual event in July that highlighted five selected SMEs from around the world. This event was the culmination of a month-long campaign throughout June aimed at recognizing and celebrating OWIT SME members from our 27 chapters in Africa, the Americas, and Europe.  The women honoured and featured included: Canada’s Barbara Mowat, President of GroYourBiz in B.C., Noreen Cesaro, Principal of Market Accents and President of the OWIT-UK chapter, Elizabeth Nwanko of Oakland Best in Nigeria and Leslie August, President of Fremont Peak Capitalin California.  

• When asked by moderator Kezy Mukiri of Africa what role they foresaw OWIT playing in the future, the consensus was that OWIT can become the lead agency for entrepreneurs and policy for small business.  As Noreen put it, “There is great value in our power as a voice of women traders globally to put forward recommendations to our governments and the World Trade Organization. (WTO).  We are a huge resource that is underutilized. We need to look at programs where we can have impact.”  “International leadership is important for legislation and policy,” agreed Leslie.  “We can also help women anywhere learn and grow.  There is a wide swath of women on a continuum – from women with little access to resources and those who have access.  We can need to facilitate that transfer of knowledge across borders and connect to uplift all of us.”  Another key take-away summed up the value of OWIT membership: "There are great opportunities for linkages among us; we can form strategic alliances and collaborate," said Barbara. "Network with other chapters", added Elizabeth. "Your network is your net worth."