Closing the Gender Gap in Global Trade: A Night of Impact at the Inaugural Development Round Table International Women’s Day Gala Dinner
On 8 March 2025, the Development Round Table (DRT) hosted its inaugural International Women’s Day (IWD) Gala Dinner at the Grand Connaught Rooms, London. This landmark event marked the beginning of an annual tradition dedicated to addressing gender disparities in global trade.
Under the theme “Closing the Gender Gap in Global Trade,” the gathering brought together policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, gender advocates, and emerging changemakers. The evening set the stage for insightful discussions, strategic networking, and a celebration of women’s economic empowerment—culminating in a long-anticipated moment of action after months of planning.
The event opened with a warm welcome from Ms Josephine C. M. Faal, Founder and CEO of DRT. She underscored the Gala Dinner’s pivotal role in fostering inclusive and sustainable economic participation for women. Ms. Faal highlighted DRT’s core focus and identified four key barriers that frequently hinder these women in minority communities from achieving sustainable and equitable participation in global trade:
- Limited access to finance
- Restricted access to market intelligence and trade information
- Insufficient skills development opportunities
- Lack of market access and networks
Ms Faal reaffirmed that the IWD Gala Dinner is more than a celebration—it is a call to action. She announced that each year, the event will focus on a specific subsector of global trade, analysing challenges and driving actionable solutions.
A major highlight of the evening was the keynote speech by Her Excellency Madam Macenje Mazoka, Zambia’s High Commissioner to the UK. In a compelling address, she reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to gender equality and economic empowerment, stressing that no woman should be left behind in the global economy.
Her Excellency called for systemic change, urging stakeholders to dismantle the barriers preventing women from thriving in international trade. She emphasised:
“Women are not seeking favours—we are demanding fair opportunities to contribute to and benefit from the global economy.”
Additionally, The evening featured a dynamic panel of experts discussing key challenges and opportunities for women in global trade:
- Access to Finance – Women-owned businesses continue to struggle with securing funding. Experts explored alternative financing options, including microfinance, impact investing, and gender-responsive financial policies.
- Breaking Barriers to Market Entry – Trade regulations, logistical challenges, and limited networks hinder women’s participation in international markets. Speakers discussed how digital platforms and trade agreements can help overcome these obstacles.
- The Role of Technology in Global Trade – E-commerce and digital tools are levelling the playing field for women entrepreneurs. The discussion highlighted innovative ways to use technology for global market expansion.
- Mentorship and Networks – Strong professional networks and mentorship programmes are essential for women’s leadership in global trade. Panellists shared strategies for fostering mentorship-driven career growth.
Each speaker provided practical takeaways, offering participants real-world strategies to navigate international trade, secure funding, leverage trade agreements, and expand their businesses.
Beyond discussions, the event also served as a platform to empower young women leaders in global trade. A special segment recognised four exceptional young women making significant strides in their industries.
These emerging leaders—driven by ambition, innovation, and resilience—demonstrated the next wave of leadership in global trade. Their journeys underscored the impact of mentorship, skills development, and access to opportunities in breaking barriers and reshaping industries.
The IWD Gala Dinner was not just about dialogue—it was about action. Attendees participated in high-impact networking sessions, fostering strategic partnerships that could unlock new business opportunities and cross-border collaborations.
A dedicated exhibition space showcased women-led businesses, providing them with crucial visibility. Entrepreneurs engaged with potential investors, buyers, and partners, reinforcing the importance of market access and strategic positioning in a competitive global economy.
The night was filled with energy, collaboration, and a shared vision for progress. Conversations sparked new ideas, partnerships were forged, and commitments were made—all with the goal of advancing women’s role in global trade.
Key Takeaways
The IWD Gala Dinner was more than an event—it was a movement for change. Key takeaways from the evening included:
- Financial Inclusion is Non-Negotiable – Women must have equal access to investment and credit facilities to scale their businesses globally.
- Knowledge is Power – Access to market intelligence, trade policies, and digital tools is critical for women navigating international trade.
- Skills Development is Essential – Governments and organisations must invest in capacity-building programmes to equip women for global competition.
- Networking and Mentorship Matter – Building strong professional networks is key to unlocking business opportunities in global trade.
- Policy Reform is Urgent – Systemic barriers must be dismantled to ensure equal opportunities for women in trade.
The night ended with a resounding call to action, urging stakeholders to commit to policy advocacy, mentorship initiatives, and investment in women-led businesses.
As the curtains closed on this first-of-its-kind event, one thing was clear: the momentum must translate into action.
DRT remains committed to amplifying women’s voices, fostering impactful collaborations, and advocating for policy changes that will create a more inclusive global trade environment.
With planning already underway for next year’s edition, the IWD Gala Dinner will continue to serve as a catalyst for progress—ensuring that women are not just participants in global trade but architects of its future.
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