WAYS TO SUPPORT
Support the work of think tanks and nonprofits directly in economically emerging countries that work towards improving policies to allow healthier small business environments, lessen the burden of formalizing a business, and work to improve women’s access to work and financial autonomy. They know best the priorities for their own communities. Here are just a few organizations that work on such issues:
African Students for Liberty, spearheaded by Linda Kavuka
Linda, similar to Magatte Wade, was inspired by Dr. George Ayittey, a groundbreaking Ghanaian economist who advocated for free enterprise and political freedom in Africa. He often lamented the fact that poverty in Africa was not a reflection on the people of the continent, but of the poor standards of integrity and ideas among Africa’s largely authoritarian leaders. Dr. Ayittey advocated the rise of what he called a “Cheetah Generation”—young, freedom-minded Africans fed up with corruption—to take the reins from the “Hippo Generation,” the old guard of crooked bureaucrats and ruling elites.
Magatte Wade has initiated a website launching in the fall of 2024 where people can buy African made products from African owned companies called “Cheetah Made,” which reflects the Cheetah Generation movement that is taking back free enterprise across Africa.
Buy directly from businesses owned locally in low-income countries. There are several reputable organizations that work directly with artisans to support entrepreneurial enterprises, such as Ten Thousand Villages and Serrv International.
Focus on purchasing from emerging nations rather than sending them goods. It is now well documented that donation programs, such as donating shoes or socks, actually hurt the local industries. There is virtually no African apparel industry because of decades of old clothes being dumped there or resold. Latin American nations such as Peru and Bolivia have banned the import of low-quality reused clothing, but in Chile which is the largest importer, it has lead to a sprawling informal landfill. Good intentions with horrible consequences we must learn from.
Learn more about organizations that support female entrepreneurs in low-income regions of the world, such as:
Angelique Kidjo’s nonprofit, BATONGA, supporting young women in business in her home country of Benin.
Pakistan micro-loans to women entrepreneurs, founded by social entrepreneur Roshaneh Zafar (based on the Grameen Bank concepts).
Women for Women International, investing in women survivors of war and conflict, providing them with social and economic skills to transform their own lives.
BUSINESSES FEATURED IN THE FILM
Here’s is where you can purchase from and support the businesses featured in the film:
Skin Is Skin
A premium assortment of skin & lip therapy products that is led by Magatte Wade. You can also support Magatte’s work by purchasing her book, The Heart of a Cheetah.
Manic Panic
A trailblazing beauty brand that started the vivid hair color revolution in the USA more than decades ago.
Selyn
Sri Lanka's only Fair Trade handicrafts company that is committed to economic development and cultural preservation
LEARN MORE
Explore additional information and resources about the intersection of women, work, and poverty reduction:
Women and Progress
A report that is part of the Fraser Institute's internationally-renowned Economic Freedom of the World. Learn why women’s ability to contribute to, and benefit from, market institutions is a matter of global importance. READ MORE
Women's Economic Rights—Moving Closer to Gender Equality?
Analysis of a 2023 study released by the Fraser Institute that measures the economic rights of women across the world. READ MORE
Participation of Females in the Global Labor Force
Research from The World Bank’s Gender Data Portal that reveals regional disparities in the percentage of women working for income. READ MORE
Issue Brief on Gender and Land Ownership
Analysis from Habitat for Human’s global advocacy campaign about how women are routinely denied use and control of land, which exacerbates economic insecurity. READ MORE
A Place of Her Own: Women’s Right to Land
A blog from Council on Foreign Relations examines how women’s legal barriers to land ownership contribute to a gender gap in economic opportunity. READ MORE
Africa Doesn't Need More Development Aid, It Needs More Capitalism
A Forbes contributor makes that case that cultivating economic opportunities in Africa will help more people than development aid can. READ MORE
Women’s Economic Empowerment Through Financial Inclusion
A report from Innovations for Poverty Action that details how increased access to and use of financial products and services among the world’s women will help spur economic growth and reduce poverty. READ MORE
The Role of Trade in Ending Poverty
World Bank explores how a dramatic increase in developing country participation in trade has coincided with an equally sharp decline in extreme poverty worldwide. READ MORE