Introduction
“Around the World in 80 Women” is dedicated to promoting women’s entrepreneurship through microfinance while capturing the rich cultural diversity of the communities we visit. Our mission is twofold: to empower women across the globe by providing them with the operational guidance if needed to start their own businesses, and to document their stories, traditions, and aspirations through multimedia such as photography, video testimonials, and more. Join Celia as she travels the world, meeting 80 inspiring women over the course of six months, and help us make their dreams a reality while preserving their unique cultural heritage.
The association
“Around the World in 80 Women” is a registered non-profit organization founded in 2023 by Célia Ribière, studying finance and microfinance at Sciences Po. We are committed to fighting poverty through microfinance, using the principles of financial inclusion to uplift women in Central Asia, Southeast Asia and Central Europe. Simultaneously, we recognize the importance of cultural documentation in preserving the intangible heritage of these communities. Through our association, we aim to create sustainable change by supporting micro-entrepreneurs, documenting their journeys, and sharing their stories with the world.
Microfinance defined
Unlocking opportunities through financial inclusion. Microfinance is a powerful tool that enables individuals who are excluded from traditional financial systems to access a range of financial products and services. It serves as a catalyst for change, providing the means for individuals to break free from the cycle of poverty and create a better future for themselves and their communities. By combining microfinance with cultural documentation, we ensure that the voices and experiences of these women entrepreneurs are heard and preserved for future generations.
“Microfinance is proving to be the most promising and least expensive tool in the fight against global poverty.”
— Jonathan Morduch, Chairman of the United Nations Panel on Global Poverty Statistics
Microcredit
Providing small loans, igniting big dreams. Microcredit lies at the heart of our work. It involves granting small-value loans to individuals with limited resources, allowing them to pursue personal projects that are often denied by traditional banking systems. By supporting microcredit, we want to empower women in their entrepreneurial journey. Through cultural documentation, we capture their journeys, struggles, and triumphs, creating a visual and narrative record of their experiences.
Documentation
Preserving the intangible heritage of communities. In addition to supporting microfinance, we are dedicated to cultural documentation. Through photography, video testimonials, and other multimedia, we document the stories, traditions, and cultural practices of the communities we visit. By capturing these valuable aspects of their heritage, we contribute to the preservation and appreciation of their unique cultural identities. Our documentation serves as a bridge between cultures, fostering understanding and promoting the value of diversity.
Our approach
Holistic empowerment through microfinance and cultural documentation. We adopt a comprehensive approach to microfinance and cultural documentation, ensuring that both aspects are integrated seamlessly. By addressing the financial needs of women entrepreneurs (through donations to some Microfinance Institutions, and operational support for some of the women micro-entrepreneurs) and documenting their cultural heritage, we empower them holistically. Through our efforts, we aim to create a more inclusive world where economic empowerment and cultural preservation go hand in hand.
The journey
Embarking on a global adventure. Celia’s journey spans 30,000 kilometers without air travel, traversing 23 countries in Central Asia, Southeast Asia and Central Europe. Along the way, she’ll meet 80 remarkable women who have overcome challenges and embraced entrepreneurship. Their stories of resilience and determination will be documented through photography, video testimonials, and other media, capturing the essence of their experiences and cultural heritage. These visual and narrative records will inspire and educate audiences worldwide about the power of microfinance and the richness of diverse cultures.
Around the World in 80 women 