The WE Empower
UN SDG Challenge
The WE (women entrepreneurs) Empower UN SDG Challenge is the first-of-its-kind global competition for women social entrepreneurs who are advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals and inspiring entire communities to create the world we want by 2030. The WE Empower Challenge honors innovative women leaders from around the world who are pushing the SDGs forward through sustainable business practices and inspiring others to follow suit. The opportunity recognizes their innovative work and provides Awardees with capacity-building training sessions and opportunities to connect with an unparalleled global network to advance their enterprises. This program elevates and showcases the valuable contribution women social entrepreneurs and business leaders can make toward the SDGs and solving the world’s greatest challenges.
In 2023, the WE Empower Challenge Awardees will participate in events surrounding the 78th UN General Assembly as well as connect with renowned business experts from around the world. Awardees will also participate in a dynamic pitch competition, hosted by fashion designer, activist and Vital Voices Board Member Diane von Furstenberg, to present their business for the opportunity to receive a $20,000 grant.
Yetunde Ayo Oyalowo
Founder, Market Doctors
Nigeria2022 WE Empower Awardee (Sub-Saharan Africa)
Bharti Singh Chauhan
Founder and CEO, PraveenLata Sansthan & Carvers India Trades LLP
India
2022 WE Empower Awardee (Asia-Pacific)
Dina Abdul Majeed
Founder and CEO, 360Moms
Jordan
2022 WE Empower Awardee (Greater Middle East and North Africa)
Priyanka Srinivas
Founder, The Live Green Co.
Chile
2022 WE Empower Awardee (Latin America and the Caribbean)
Danielle J. Harris
Managing Director of Engagement and Innovation, Elemental Excelerator
United States
2022 WE Empower Awardee (Europe, North America and Other)
Our objectives
Honor
Honor innovative women entrepreneurs who are supporting and achieving the SDGs through sustainable business practices and inspiration for others to follow suit.
Invest
Invest in the most inspiring and transformational women entrepreneurs – providing access to seed capital, unique trainings, capacity building, a network of their peers, visibility and credibility for their work.
Ignite
Ignite awareness among a global community of stakeholders of the valuable contribution women entrepreneurs can make in contributing to the SDGs and the obstacles they still face.
Lead partner spotlight
The WE Empower Challenge is supported by a number of fantastic partners.
UN Foundation
The United Nations was created to strengthen the bonds of international cooperation around shared interests and values. It is the one place where all countries and citizens can unite behind collective action to address our greatest challenges and deliver a better world for all. The UN Foundation supports the UN’s ability to tackle these challenges and harness opportunities for the benefit of all humanity. As we head deeper into the 21st century, this task is more urgent than ever. The UN Foundation works by building communities and incubating initiatives to support the UN and its priority issues, including achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Oxford
For over eight centuries, leaders from across the world, and from all spheres, have come to Oxford to study, to intellectually recharge, and to engage in important discussions. The remarkable community at the School continues this tradition. The community of academics, students, alumni, staff and friends at Saїd Business School is truly global and has representatives from all over the world and from different sectors.
Mary Kay
Mary Kay Inc. has empowered women while changing the world of business for over 50 years. At the core of who they are, there is a willingness to help one another that drives them to enrich the lives of women and their families around the world. Their commitment has led them to do incredible work across the globe which includes providing lifesaving surgeries, helping end hunger, protecting survivors from domestic abuse, beautifying our communities, and encouraging children to follow their dreams.