Financing Mechanisms for Gender Equality Feasibility Study under Build Back Equal Project SAINT LUCIA

Financing Mechanisms for Gender Equality in Saint Lucia

Author(s)/editor(s)

(Author): Kizzann Sammy, MA, MBA, (Editor): Dr. Robin Haarr, PhD UN Women, Senior Consultant

Fostering an enabling environment for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) is not new work in the region, and regional leaders and governments are well aware of the barriers that need to be addressed to better mobilize MSMEs.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic and amid massive shifts in climate change activity there has been an emergence of new approaches that recognize the nexus between the economy, gender and the environment.

The purpose of this feasibility assessment is to focus on the entrepreneurial environment in Saint Lucia, with a focus on systems for financial services and trade, access to capacity development (i.e., training and education), and promotion of innovative and digitally enabled solutions. This assessment also explores systemic barriers faced by women, youth10 and persons living with disabilities who seek
to launch or grow their business.