Page 14 - Berkeley BPW Club Centennial Commemorative Booklet - May 21st 2022_Neat

From the President’s Desk ... 14

‘The Economic Evolution of Women

Maria DeSousa, President Berkeley
Business and Professional Women’s Club

Women entrepreneurs are a growing
market force serving as critical source of in-
novation and job creation which fuels eco-
nomic growth.

Benefits of women in economy are substantial.
A healthy global economy is crucial to America’s economic
viability. There is growing evidence of women’s low partici-
pation in the formal labor markets of many developing coun-
tries which impedes economic growth and poverty reduction.

The United States is committed to increasing women’s
economic empowerment through various initiatives such as
The Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) and
Women and Girls Empowered (WAGE) to provide a platform
for women and girls to fully participate in their societies
including economic empowerment initiatives.

I congratulate Business and Professional Women’s club
of Berkeley (BPW) for celebrating their centennial in opera-
tion to support the cause for women’s advancement and look
forward to future efforts in promoting equity and inclusion
for all women.■

With Best regards,
Maria Cecilia DeSousa