The Roundtable of Women Government Ministers on Women’s Economic Empowerment has preceded the Global Summit of Women annually since 2003.  For each of the past six years, women government ministers of various portfolios have come together to share strategies for increasing economic opportunities for women and girls.  The Roundtable discussion focuses specifically on public/private sector partnerships which have proven successful in enhancing economic empowerment of women and girls.  The Summit has extended mini-grants to the most successful projects as chosen by the attending ministers in each of the past four years. 

 The Summit’s Ministerial Roundtable offers attending ministers an opportunity to share frankly with their fellow ministers the opportunities and challenges each faces as they attempt to improve the condition of women and girls within their country.   In line with the Roundtable’s emphasis on honest discussion over position papers, each minister in attendance has the opportunity to share a project with their peers through small discussion groups.

 Select representatives from the private sector who are involved in successful public/private sector partnerships are also invited to the Roundtable to share with the Ministers their experiences in developing projects and in forming such partnerships with the public sector.  The result is a stimulating full-day exchange of best practices which provides the Ministers with ideas and expanded networks to bring back to their country.