The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for the Asia
Pacific (UN ESCAP) recognises the persistent challenges hindering the economic potential of women
entrepreneurs across the region.
Despite a notable increase in women-owned businesses, barriers such as limited market access, financial
resources, information gaps, caregiving responsibilities, and discriminatory regulations persist.
In response, UN ESCAP has launched the Catalyzing Women's Entrepreneurship (CWE) project. This
initiative aims to empower women economically and promote gender equality throughout Asia and the
Pacific.
Highlighting the importance of women's economic empowerment, UN Resident Themba Kalua
emphasised entrepreneurship as a pivotal pathway for poverty alleviation, empowerment, and substantial
contributions to economic growth. This message was reiterated during the Women’s Economic
Empowerment and Entrepreneurship in the Pacific event held on March 15 th 2024 in Samoa.
One of the success stories highlighted during the event was that of Lisa Kamu, the renowned owner of
Indoors and Head to Toes in Samoa, who has been a critical figure in the business landscape for over
thirty years.
Lisa initially faced challenges in securing funding and accessing digital marketing guidance. However,
through ICT training, she acquired valuable digital skills, especially photography, significantly improving
her product promotion efforts.
Lisa emphasised the importance of building a solid brand identity and utilising digital marketing
channels, mainly social media, to drive significant growth for her business. Digital marketing emerged as
a game-changer, enabling her to reach local and international customers and demonstrating resilience and
adaptability during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event facilitated meaningful dialogue among government representatives, women entrepreneurs,
women entrepreneurs associations, UN agencies, CROP agencies, private sector entities, and academic
institutions. Together, they reaffirmed their commitment to advancing women's entrepreneurship and
fostering economic empowerment across the region.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
aterina.samasoni@un.org
un.samoa.org