Meet Global Campaign Ambassador, Monali!

Our Global Campaign Board is a worldwide group of visionary philanthropists, business leaders and experts helping to deliver our 100,000 Women Campaign. Meet our Global Campaign Ambassador, Monali Shah!

Don’t let the gender biases stop you from trying over and over again. Don’t give up. We have to keep trying to win.

Monali Shah, Global Campaign Ambassador

Our Global Campaign Board are an incredible group of individuals. Convened by our founder, Cherie Blair CBE KC, they’ve worked to support our 100,000 Women Campaign since its launch at the beginning of 2020. Collaborating across the world, they’ve raised vital funds to make our work possible and in turn enabled us to support tens of thousands of women entrepreneurs.

Our Senior Partnerships Officer, Georgia Beattie, spoke to Global Campaign Ambassador, Monali Shah, to find out more about what motivates and inspires her to support our mission…

Georgia: Hi Monali! Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your background and your role in the 100,000 Women Campaign?

Monali: I’m a Global Marketing & Communications professional with experience in FMCG, Telco, banking, advertising, communications, media and the entertainment industry.

Born and bred in Kenya, I have also lived in South Africa and Nigeria. I’m passionate about creativity, entertainment, technology, culture and Africa(ns) and fortunate enough to have been recognised for my contribution and impact in these areas.

Most recently, I led the Integrated Marketing Communications function and team for The Coca-Cola Company in Africa.

I am a Global Campaign Ambassador for the 100,000 Women Campaign. My role is to help spread awareness of this campaign, to get more people to know about it so they can contribute in whichever way possible including raising funds.

Georgia: How did you first connect with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, and what made you want to join our 100,000 Women Campaign?

Fade Ogunro, introduced me to the Foundation and the campaign. Our first conversation about this was when she was just named as the Chair for Africa, her in depth knowledge and passion about it intrigued me.

I’m a big believer in women being financially independent. I’m proudly financially independent and I see the confidence boost it brings to me in addition to the benefits to those around me. In addition to this, women contribute back to the community, to the society and to the growth of economies when empowered. The results can only be positive and I would love contribute to this campaign whether it is in spreading awareness, mentoring or forming connections through my network to deliver a positive impact to more women!

Monali Shah, Global Campaign Ambassador

Georgia: Why is supporting women’s entrepreneurship in low and middle income countries so important?

Only 12 countries in the world offer economic equality for men and women in the eyes of the law. That’s only about 6.2% of countries in the world. We are missing $5 Trillion from Global GDP due to the gender gap in entrepreneurship.

When women thrive, everyone benefits. When women entrepreneurs succeed, they’re more likely to invest back into their families and community – into education, nutrition, wellbeing, and children’s health. There’s a direct ripple effect in communities.

Data above shows us that supporting women entrepreneurs will make for better economies and better livelihoods, so the question is why shouldn’t we support women entrepreneurs?

Supporting women entrepreneurs will make for better economies and better livelihoods, so the question is why shouldn’t we support women entrepreneurs?

Georgia: Do you have any words of wisdom you’d like to share with any women entrepreneurs reading this?

  1. Believe in yourself and your offering. It all starts with you – when others see you believing in you, they’ll be more inclined to believe in you and support you.
  2. Don’t let the gender biases stop you from trying over and over again. Don’t give up. We have to keep trying to win.
  3. Failure is inevitable, but how quickly we grieve and get going again is what matters. Don’t wallow for too long.

Georgia: What are your plans and hopes for the final year of the 100,000 Women Campaign?

I hope we can raise the money needed to hit the target and really escalate the support we can give women across the continent. I will commit to do my part in supporting the Foundation to meet this target.

Georgia: What steps do you encourage readers to take to support women entrepreneurs in low and middle income countries, and help close the economic gender gap for good?

Do whatever you can, small or big, to support. If you have time, mentor some women. If you witness stereotyping, speak up and question it to bring awareness. If you are employing or procuring services, ensure equal opportunities.

Thank you so much Monali!