In a celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship, Mastercard has announced the winners of the third edition of its Women SME Leaders Awards. This prestigious accolade recognizes the remarkable achievements of women-owned and led businesses across diverse sectors in the Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA) region.
Launched in 2022, the Mastercard Women SME Leaders Awards is a pioneering initiative, dedicated to recognizing and empowering outstanding female entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of the EEMEA region. The awards highlight the essential role women play in driving economic growth and addressing real-world challenges through their businesses.
“At Mastercard, we believe that when we support women entrepreneurs, we are not only supporting the economy but also their desire to solve real needs. That’s why we are committed to creating an enabling environment for women to fulfill their potential as business leaders,” said Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President, Market Development, EEMEA, Mastercard. She added, “The Mastercard Women SME Leaders Awards is an integral part of our women’s empowerment journey. This initiative helps us generate momentum so we can continue to uplift the most impactful women changemakers.”
This year’s edition of the awards was open to all women owning or leading businesses with a turnover under US$13.6 million (AED50 million) and 6-50 employees. These businesses must have their offices or offer their services in the EEMEA region, ensuring a wide representation of innovative women entrepreneurs.
The 2024 winners represent a diverse range of industries and demonstrate exceptional leadership, creativity, and impact in their respective fields. By honoring these women, Mastercard not only celebrates their achievements but also underscores the importance of supporting female entrepreneurship for the overall economic and social development of the region.
The Mastercard Women SME Leaders Awards continues to be a beacon of inspiration, providing a platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase their contributions and connect with a broader network of business leaders. As Mastercard remains committed to fostering an inclusive environment, initiatives like these are vital in driving forward the vision of gender equality and economic empowerment.
The Mastercard Women SME Leaders Awards was established in 2022 to honor and support women-owned and led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the EEMEA region. This initiative aims to recognize the contributions of female entrepreneurs, promote gender equality in business, and create a supportive ecosystem for women to thrive as business leaders.
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