2004 programs and events

U.S. Speaker Addresses Female Entrepreneurs in Belarus

U.S. Speaker Hedy Ratner, co-founder and co-president of the Women's Business Development Center in Chicago, delivered a keynote presentation to the "First Forum of Women Entrepreneurs" hosted by the Independent Women's Democratic Movement in Minsk on May 21. Her remarks focused on the theme, "Collaboration, Cooperation, Alliances and Partnership: the Key to Providing the Most Effective Education and Training to Enhance Women's Entrepreneurship." Ms. Ratner's organization is the largest, oldest, and most comprehensive women's business assistance center in the U.S.

During her four-day program in Belarus, Ms. Ratner shared her views on women's leadership and economic empowerment issues with students and faculty at European Humanities University and Non-State Women's Institute "Envila." She also met with the leadership of the City Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers and discussed business opportunities for women in the U.S. and Belarus with the female trainees at the Center for Support of Entrepreneurship. Ms. Ratner met with female journalists representing independent media with whom she discussed the large scope of problems related to the development of women's businesses. At a roundtable session for NGO leaders, female entrepreneurs and alumnae of USG-sponsored programs at the U.S. Embassy's Public Affairs Section, Ms. Ratner shared information about the counseling, training, financial assistance, and child care services her Center provides in the U.S.

Over 300 students, faculty, NGO and business leaders, alumnae of USG-sponsored programs, journalists, and businesswomen from throughout Belarus had an opportunity to interact with Ms. Ratner, who shared with them bold recommendations related to the development of child care and other businesses and financial assistance programs.