Inspiring Women, Global Impact: WCEI at the 80th FCEM World Congress – Athens 2025
10 WCEI members were honoured to participate in the 72nd FCEM World Congress held in Athens – an exceptionally significant gathering celebrating eight decades of global leadership, innovation and impact from women entrepreneurs around the world.
Our Australian delegation proudly represented WCEI on this world stage, contributing to international dialogue, strengthening global networks and showcasing the strength, diversity and vision of Australian women in business.
WCEI Delegation Representing Australia
WCEI was represented by:
• Liz Ward, National President
• Andrea Platuswky, Immediate Past National President
• Di Tompson, FCEM Asia Vice President
• Miriam Coleman, Tasmania State Division President
• Suzanne Bosanquet, Past Queensland State Division President
• Christina Chia, Victorian State Division President
• Busi Faulkner, Rachel White, Donna Meredith and Ching-Mei Maddock, WCEI Members
Their participation ensured Australia’s voice was present in key discussions on global entrepreneurship, digital capability, sustainability and the future of women-led economies.
Leadership on the Global Stage:
WCEI National President Liz Ward was a featured panellist, sharing Australian insights on female entrepreneurship, digital transformation and the global economic imperative of investing in women.
1. The Australian Market & Women Driving Economic Growth
Liz highlighted that Australia’s economy is powered by small business, with:
• 96% of Australian businesses being SMEs
• SMEs generating 42% of private-sector jobs
• One in three small businesses now female-led
• Women-led business creation outpacing men over the past decade
Women are driving both economic and social value – supported by research showing:
• 85% plan to hire staff within the next year
• 80% are actively scaling
• 76% contribute to their communities
(Source: Women’s Agenda Australian Women in Business Survey, 2025)
Digital tools and AI are becoming transformative equalisers – unlocking potential, removing geographic barriers and opening international markets.
2. Why Investing in Women is Essential for Economic Prosperity
Liz emphasised that investment in female entrepreneurship is a strategic economic lever – not a symbolic gesture.
Women-led firms consistently drive:
• innovation
• local job creation
• social inclusion
• community advancement
Four pillars are essential for accelerating impact:
- Access to capital
- Digital and AI capability
- International networks
- Commercially focused mentoring
Liz highlighted WCEI’s National Mentoring Pilot Programme and International Engagement Strategy as key mechanisms enabling capability, confidence and global opportunity.
3. Imagining a World Without Women in Business
Liz underscored the profound economic and social consequences of excluding women from entrepreneurship. Without women, economies would lose:
• up to one-third of business owners
• a major share of small-business job creation
• 50% of global social-enterprise leadership
• critical innovation and diverse thinking
“If women are not at the table in the digital economy, the world will design the future using only half the available intelligence.”
She closed with a compelling call to action:
“Women build businesses that hire people, lift communities and drive innovation. With digital capability and global networks, we don’t just grow enterprises – we accelerate economies.”
Celebrating Excellence:
A highlight of the Congress was the recognition of Queensland member Busi Faulkner, CEO and Founder of Home Care Nurses Australia, who received the 2025 FCEM Inspiring Entrepreneur Award.
This global honour celebrates women demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation and positive societal contribution. Busi’s business exemplifies sustainable impact, community commitment and purpose-driven entrepreneurship – making her a powerful ambassador for Australian excellence.
New Global Opportunity:
At the Congress FCEM President, Dr Marie Christine Oghly, announced an important new partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). WCEI National President Liz Ward has been appointed to the FCEM Working Committee supporting this initiative.
The upcoming Global White Book on Female Entrepreneurs in Sustainability will spotlight women leaders advancing the circular economy, environmental innovation and social impact.
This publication will:
• Celebrate your work in sustainability
• Elevate your global visibility under the SDGs
• Open doors to international collaboration
• Position your business as a leader in green innovation
If your business engages in circular design, waste reduction, sustainable production or environmental or social impact, we encourage you to participate.
For further information, please email office@wcei.com.au.
Save the Date – FCEM World Congress – Prague
We invite all WCEI members to mark their calendars for the 73rd FCEM World Congress in Prague, taking place 6–10 October 2026.
This will be an extraordinary opportunity to:
• connect with global women leaders
• access new international markets
• strengthen partnerships
• participate in world-class dialogue on entrepreneurship, digital innovation and sustainability
Further details will be shared in early 2026. Please save the date and join us as we continue elevating Australia’s voice on the world stage.
Save the Date – FCEM World Committee Meetings & Conference – Cairo and Alexandria
Additionally all members are welcome to attend FCEM World Committee Meetings & Conference in Egypt on 23rd to 26th April 2026. Our colleagues from BWE21 (Business Women Egypt 21) are thrilled to be hosting these events and promise to make it a trip to remember.
The Early Bird registration rate is available until 28th November 2025.
Contact Molly or Liz if you would like to be added to the FCEM Egypt26 WhatsApp Group for more information and questions that you can direct to Yomna, who is the President of BWE21.