In this challenging year, the power of women in leadership was brought into high relief. Female leaders across the world steered their countries with resolve and compassion through the pandemic crisis and many of the most successful responses emerged from women-led countries: Taiwan, Germany, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. But even with growing representation in leadership in some countries, women all over the world are still subject to discriminatory laws, unequal pay, lack of access to healthcare, education, business opportunities and may not participate in financial decisions within their homes. And yet, through it all, women still drive an enormous amount of the economic activity in the world (over $18T) with women-owned or operated small businesses playing a critical role driving economic growth and providing livelihoods for their communities and families. In partnership with One Young World and Lead2030, we want to continue to support and promote women in business because we know that women’s economic empowerment is crucial to realizing women’s rights, gender equality and driving sustainability.
Every year, AB InBev engages with millions of small business partners, many of which are women owned or operated, across its value chain, from small scale farmers growing crops to micro-retailers engaging with consumers. These small businesses often lack access to formal business skills, affordable financial products or business infrastructure that can limit their ability to grow and thrive, and to provide an adequate income for their families. In addition to supporting business and financial inclusion, women's participation in solving environmental issues is essential both to the empowerment of women and our ability to find effective and inclusive solutions. Women and girls are more likely to suffer from water and sanitation issues, air pollution and environmental degradation.
