Baltic DSAs Conference on Women’s Entrepreneurship

On January 12th, the Baltic DSAs in cooperation with the WFDSA and local partners held a conference on “Women’s Entrepreneurship” in Riga, Latvia.  Over 200 people attended the event including stakeholders, government officials, academicians, successful business women, direct selling representatives, trade organizations and the media.  The main goal of the conference was to discuss the prevailing business environment for women with all of its obstacles and opportunities offered, as well as the development of active interest and initiative on the part of women for running their own business in the local market.  General Secretary for the Baltic DSAs Gintautas Zaleckas commented, “that is very important as the growing initiative for entrepreneurial activity and leadership among women can not only improve the performance of the various aspects of the business environment and bring something new into it, but also make a considerable additional contribution to the economic welfare of the countries”.
The welcoming speech was given by the Latvian Member of European Parliament Ms. Inese Vaidere. Executive Director of Institute for International Business of Kelly School of Business in Indiana University LaVonn Schlegel introduced the latest trends in entrepreneurship.  WFDSA Executive Director Tamuna Gabilaia presented on women’s empowerment and the global direct selling industry.  WFDSA Advocacy Committee Chair Kim Drabik spoke on the panel for entrepreneurship.  Successful business women also shared their personal stories and professional experiences.  Various stakeholders discussed the future of women entrepreneurship and introduced latest trends in entrepreneurship.