Earlier this year, we had the pleasure of being invited to take part in the “Gender and Trade in 2024” Masterclass, hosted by the Department for Business and Trade and the Export Academy.
Representing the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) – www.owituk.org – we joined an inspiring panel of speakers to discuss the opportunities and challenges faced by women in global trade.
Championing Women in Trade
The session was opened by Heather Witney, with Noreen Burroughes Cesareo FRSA, OWIT UK President and OWIT Executive VP, providing valuable insight into current trends and initiatives both internationally and here in the UK. She highlighted the work of business support organisations like OWIT UK in helping women exporters thrive.
We were delighted to join fellow OWIT UK member Holly Piggott to share our own experiences of exporting – from the opportunities created through the UK’s trade agreements to the real-world challenges of navigating international markets.
Government Support and Policy Initiatives
We also heard from Melissa Mariano and Livia Di Simone of the Department for Business and Trade, who outlined how the UK Government is shaping trade policy to advance gender equality and ensure that women are able to fully access the benefits of international trade. Their work aligns perfectly with OWIT’s mission: creating an inclusive and supportive environment for women in trade, now and for generations to come.
Collaboration and Progress
The conversation was not only informative but also energising – a reminder of the positive change that happens when government, business and networks like OWIT work together.
For those who missed the masterclass, you can watch the replay here:
- Department for Business and Trade link: Watch here
- OWIT UK Export Academy link: Watch here (sign-in required)
At ecls translations, we see first-hand how trade, language and cultural understanding go hand in hand. Language is a powerful tool for opening new markets, building international relationships and ensuring that trade truly benefits everyone. By supporting organisations like OWIT and contributing to discussions on gender equality in trade, we remain committed to helping businesses communicate confidently and successfully on the global stage.