The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs (MICM) and the Ministry of Women have launched the Women Who Lead initiative as part of a joint effort to strengthen women’s participation in the Dominican Republic’s productive sectors. The announcement was made alongside the presentation of scholarships for the Executive Program in Female Leadership and the signing of a framework cooperation agreement focused on promoting gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.
The initiative brings together government institutions, business representatives and economic development stakeholders to expand opportunities for women through leadership development, innovation, entrepreneurship and professional training. The program is designed to support greater economic autonomy and encourage women’s participation in strategic sectors of the national economy.
Government Highlights Women’s Role in Economic Growth
Yayo Sanz Lovatón, the Dominican Republic’s Minister of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs, said the country’s continued economic growth depends on making full use of women’s talent, innovation and leadership. He noted that the partnership between both ministries strengthens coordination on policies aimed at increasing women’s participation in industry, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Gloria Reyes, Minister of Women, described economic autonomy as a key pillar for building a more equitable society. She said the agreement will expand access to leadership development, business training and professional growth opportunities for women while reinforcing public policies that promote female representation in leadership and decision-making roles.
Leadership Training and Scholarships Announced
During the event, officials presented the Women Who Lead initiative, which is aimed at women in executive positions, business owners and entrepreneurs. The program will offer leadership training, mentoring opportunities and professional networking designed to strengthen participants’ management and business skills.
Authorities also announced scholarships for the Executive Program in Female Leadership, a specialized training program focused on strategic decision-making, organizational management and executive leadership. The initiative seeks to increase the number of women holding leadership positions throughout the country’s productive sectors.
Framework Agreement Sets Long-Term Cooperation
The cooperation agreement outlines a series of joint initiatives, including leadership and skills development programs, support for innovation, digital transformation and financial education, assistance for women entrepreneurs and women-led businesses, and measures to improve access to markets and value chains.
The agreement also includes plans to develop data and indicators measuring women’s participation in the productive sector and to promote the adoption of the Igualando RD Seal, a national certification that encourages gender equality practices among industrial companies and MSMEs.
To oversee implementation, both ministries will establish an interinstitutional technical committee responsible for monitoring progress and identifying new opportunities for collaboration aimed at strengthening women’s economic participation across the Dominican Republic.