CIPE is launching the electronic dialogue prior to the Women's Conference in order to acquire and share basic knowledge about female entrepreneurs across the globe and to initiate discussion about topics which will be addressed at the upcoming conference, Women: The Emerging Economic Force, to be held in Washington, D.C., June 14-16, 2000. The dialogue will not be held the week of the conference but will be resumed immediately afterwards in order to elaborate on issues and concerns raised at the conference.

The aim of the electronic dialogue is to gather information and disseminate knowledge about female entrepreneurs worldwide in order to devise strategies to promote women business owners, to strengthen women's business associations, and to integrate female entrepreneurs into the world economy.


INTRODUCTION:

CIPE invites all female entrepreneurs and women thinking about starting a business across the globe to partake in this electronic dialogue. The format is designed to be structured yet flexible to maximize participation while remaining focused.

The dialogue will be moderated by CIPE staff. There will be six weekly sessions: two prior to the women's conference and four following the conference.

Each of the weekly sessions will center on a specific set of questions or particular issues relevant to acquiring information about female entrepreneurs and preparing them to engage in international trade.