Does capitalism need a reboot? That question seems to be on the minds of many leading corporate leaders, economists, and social thinkers. There’s no doubt that capitalism has played an important role in lifting people out of poverty, extending life expectancy, boosting industrial productivity, and improving the quality of life for hundreds of millions of […]
Brigit Helms
Brigit Helms is executive director, Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship
Companies Can Learn To Tap The World’s Biggest Market
Being a customer seems like such a simple role. You pay money and receive a product or service in exchange. But around the world, women are barred from full participation in the consumer economy. They earn less, so they have less to spend. Moreover, systemic inequality means even when they do have money to spend, […]
Op-ed: These 10 Social Enterprises Help Women Navigate The Grey Economy
The formal work model provides two main ways to participate: as entrepreneurs and leaders of businesses, and as employees. But worldwide, the formal work economy doesn’t serve women who: Lack the skills or desire to start or lead businesses Live where few or no employment opportunities are available Do not meet the requirements for available […]
Op-Ed: Good Jobs For Women Are In Reach Through Social Enterprises
As if we weren’t already devastated by all the losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a January 2021 article in Fortune dropped a new bombshell: “Women accounted for 100% of the 140,000 jobs shed by the U.S. economy in December.” The article blamed the pandemic. The news hit with a shock, but should we really […]
Op-Ed: The Real Reason Women Entrepreneurs Struggle to Raise Funding
Something interesting happened at last October’s 2020 Women in Global Development Leadership Forum, dedicated to empowering women leaders on the global stage. Before a panel discussion on “The Many Ways to Invest in Women Entrepreneurs,” a Zoom chat poll asked participants, What is your biggest challenge? Overwhelmingly, the answer was ‘funding’—raising enough of it or […]
Op-Ed: Four Ways Social Entrepreneurship Can Advance Women’s Economic Empowerment
Who benefits from women’s economic empowerment? Everyone, it turns out. Expanding work and education opportunities for women and girls spurs economic progress, expands markets, and improves health, well-being, and financial outcomes for women as well as their families, communities, and entire countries. Worldwide, women represent the largest emerging market. For example: If women reached parity […]