WONDER WOMEN

The Cartier Women’s Initiative, currently in its 15th year, not only celebrates women who drive change and empowerment through their businesses, but also provides fellowship and a nurturing environment for growth.

- Mavis Teo

“When women thrive, humanity thrives.” These are the much-quoted words of Cartier International’s president and CEO Cyrille Vigneron, who regularly speaks about the Cartier Women’s Initiative (CWI), an international entrepreneurship programme founded by the luxury brand.

CWI began in 2006 as a one-time programme with partners like the Women’s Forum for the Economy and Society, McKinsey & Company and Insead Business School. The event recognised the leaders of women-run and women-owned businesses from any country and sector who aimed to drive a strong and sustainable social and environmental change – which are some of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Fast-forward to 2022, and CWI has just celebrated its 15th anniversary with the first laureates honoured in 2007. Despite the pandemic, Cartier didn’t cancel what has evolved to become a permanent annual programme to support and uplift female impact entrepreneurs. Instead, the French maison moved the ceremony online. Since its inception, 262 women changemakers from 62 countries have been recognised by the initiative. Altogether, they received over US$6.4 million in grants.

MORE FOR MORE WOMEN

In addition to the awards programme, which recognises 24 talented global women impact entrepreneurs who are fielding businesses with a mission to improve humankind, there is also a fellowship component that provides tailored human capital support to the finalists in each category. They include Preserving the Planet, Improving Lives and Creating Opportunities.