At the Ottawa Conference, participants called for a dynamic platform to improve the sharing of evidence, experiences and good practices on women’s economic empowerment. In response, UN Women and Canada committed to jointly develop an online platform on women’s economic empowerment (www.EmpowerWomen.org).

On 23 September 2013, this platform, initially referred to as the Knowledge Gateway on Women’s Economic Empowerment, was launched during the High-Level session of the United Nations General Assembly by Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Under-Secretary-General of the UN and Executive Director of UN Women, and Lynne Yelich, Minister of State, Foreign Affairs and Consular, Government of Canada. 

Since then, Empower Women has grown into a global movement with more than half a million viewers and over 18,500+ passionate and ambitious women and men from the private sector, civil society, academia, governments and international organizations more than 198 countries. Empower Women has also cultivated a global network of 410+ dynamic, influential Champions for women’s economic empowerment from over 70 countries. Together, we are taking actions and driving change for women’s economic empowerment both online and offline.