Natalija Japerte: The IWA’s Transformative Journey in 2024

2024 was a busy and eventful year for the International Women’s Alliance (IWA). The organization welcomed new members, participated in major events such as Domain Days and the London Domain Summit, and hosted its first Convention. At the same time, the IWA shifted its focus, expanded its social impact, launched new educational courses, and continued to grow and evolve. We had a conversation with Natalija Japerte, the founder and CEO of the Alliance, about the achievements of the past year and the plans for the future.

Read our interview to find out what’s new for the IWA and what direction has already been set for the organization this year.

Natalija, please tell us what’s new with the IWA this year.

Natalija Japerte (NJ): Our mission has evolved significantly. Previously, we were dedicated to promoting the visibility of women online through workshops and networking events. However, over time, it became clear that education is the driving force behind personal and professional growth for women.

We firmly believe that education is the key to women’s development, both personally and professionally. Inspired by the words of renowned British naturalist David Attenborough, who stated that to save the planet, you need to save women, the IWA has made education its primary focus.

Unfortunately, in some countries, girls between the ages of 12 and 18 are often prevented from receiving an education, often due to the need to help with household chores or marry at an early age. This puts their personal safety and career prospects at risk.

The primary goal of the new IWA mission is to assist women in developing the skills necessary to launch their own businesses and achieve financial independence. Education is a tool for personal development and also an essential step towards strengthening families and, consequently, society as a whole.

So, does education matter in a woman’s life?

NJ: Education for women is crucial, especially in societies where traditional customs and social norms limit their rights. In some parts of the world, such as South Asia and Africa, girls face significant challenges accessing education. It isn’t uncommon for girls to be married off as young as 12, which denies them the opportunity to learn and grow.

According to UNESCO, more than 130 million girls around the world do not go to school. This has serious consequences for the women themselves, for their families, and communities. Educated women are more likely to be economically independent, which in turn promotes economic growth and helps reduce poverty. Research has shown that each additional year of schooling a woman receives can increase her income by 10-20%.

Therefore, programs aimed at educating women are important for individuals and also have a social impact. They contribute to building more sustainable and progressive societies.

This is why we at the IWA invest so much in education. We’re currently focusing on the IWAcademy, which offers various educational programs for women.

What knowledge does the IWAcademy provide to women?

NJ: The IWA Academy offers a wide range of educational programs designed to enhance skills and knowledge in business. This year, we have introduced several innovative modules, including courses on leadership, innovation, and marketing strategies.

One such course is the leadership program created by Nailya Mekhrabova, Executive Director of Azersun Holding, Strategist, and Solutionist. This course helps participants develop their leadership skills and boost their self-confidence, which is particularly important in today’s competitive world.

Other courses available at the IWAcademy include:

• Business English is a course that enhances your business communication skills in English.

• Personal Brand is a program that helps women create and develop their personal brand, which is crucial in today's fast-paced world.

• Business Essentials is a joint course with Vancouver Davis College. It provides knowledge similar to a mini-MBA and offers the opportunity to receive credits for further education at the university.

Participants at the IWAcademy have already achieved great success. This year, seven women successfully completed the Business English course and received certificates. These certificates open up new opportunities for them in their careers and businesses. Their inspiring stories demonstrate how education can transform women’s lives by equipping them with the skills and confidence they need to achieve their goals.

So, does the IWA collaborate with universities?

NJ: Yes, the IWA is actively expanding our partnerships with universities to enhance our educational programs and provide participants with access to high-quality training.

Currently, we have a special Business Essentials program in collaboration with Vancouver Davis College. This program is a great opportunity for women to gain knowledge and earn certificates that will be valuable in their future careers.

Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate that can be beneficial when seeking employment or applying for grant programs.

What are your plans for the future?

NJ: Firstly, we plan to create a dedicated website for the IWAcademy where we will compile all our knowledge. Our goal is to build a platform that makes learning simple and accessible. We aim to gather all our video lessons in one place, enhance existing courses, and introduce new ones by inviting renowned professors from various universities. For instance, the Business English course will become more comprehensive and will be taught by a representative from Vancouver Davis College.

Secondly, next year we hope to receive a grant to implement a program in Indonesia. This will enable us to establish a training center where we aim to educate 300 girls over a period of two years. They will receive tablets, access to knowledge, and the opportunity to participate in internships with various companies.

Thirdly, we plan to actively participate in international exhibitions. This will help us showcase our achievements, inspire new participants, and secure support from organizations that share our social vision.

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