Denise Thomas, director of Africa and Middle East trade for the World Trade Center Arkansas attended the sixth Global Economic Summit in Mumbai, India as a guest speaker on government and institutional support for women on Tuesday, March 28.

The theme of the summit is Women's Empowerment: Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Capacity Building. Thomas is speaking on issues and perspectives in policy making for women empowerment along with diverse and highly accomplished professionals from organizations like the United Nations Women Office, the World Trade Organization and the Organization for Women in International Trade

"Government policies and legislations act as key pillars for women's empowerment," Thomas said. "Gender sensitive policies can enhance women's access to education, healthcare, sanitation, finance and labor force participation."

As director of Africa and Middle East trade for the World Trade Center Arkansas Thomas works directly with leaders and government officials in regions where women face the greatest degree of inequality and disenfranchisement. The 10 worst countries for gender equality (measuring education level, health, survival, and economic and political empowerment) are in Africa and the Middle East, according to the 2016 World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report.

The summit sessions cover topics such as redefining the role of the new woman in the world of trade and business, empowering women through skill development for economic inclusion, women's contribution to the small business sector through entrepreneurship and innovation and women's role in transforming rural economy and harnessing economic inclusion. For more information about the summit contact Thomas through email.

About the World Trade Mission Arkansas: The mission of the World Trade Center Arkansas is to grow trade and increase Arkansas exports by connecting Arkansas businesses to the world through international trade services. For more information and valuable updates, please follow the Center on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the World Trade Center Arkansas newsletter below.