FCE Réunion: A new era for female entrepreneurship

Female entrepreneurship in Reunion is taking a new turn with the creation, since September 10, 2024, of the Reunion delegation of Women Business Leaders (FCE). Under the direction of Cynthia Contini Mirbel, this initiative aims to strengthen the place of women in the local and national economy, while opening up international prospects. Three months after this historic launch, a look back at the first actions carried out and the ambitions that guide this delegation in its mission of supporting and developing female entrepreneurship.

The FCE Reunion delegation is part of an international dynamic, serving Reunion women entrepreneurs. Founded in 1945 in France, the association of Women Business Leaders (FCE) today brings together more than 2,000 members around the world. Present in Mauritius, Madagascar and now in Reunion, this global organization works to promote women in decision-making bodies, whether local, regional or international.

In Reunion, the creation of the FCE delegation allows women entrepreneurs to benefit from a powerful network, where mutual assistance, sharing of experience and professional opportunities are at the heart of concerns. This network is also a springboard for their visibility in a sector still largely dominated by men. Since its creation, the Reunion FCE delegation has multiplied initiatives to give a boost to female entrepreneurship on the island. By bringing together a dozen influential business leaders on September 10, the network laid the foundations for ambitious collective action. Cynthia Contini Mirbel, president of this delegation, underlined the importance of solidarity and synergy between entrepreneurs to face the specific economic challenges in Reunion. She specifies: “Many women business leaders have wanted to join this international network for years. Today, they can finally find themselves within a structure that supports them in their ambitions and makes their voice heard.”

The first actions carried out by the pioneering women of FCE Réunion

Since the official launch of the delegation on September 10, 2024, several significant actions have already been undertaken, aimed at strengthening female entrepreneurship in Reunion. The creation and formalization of the delegation were orchestrated on September 10, 2024: the FCE Réunion delegation was officially launched, marking a historic moment for female entrepreneurship on the island. Then, a strategic partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) was quickly put in place, on October 6, to support the delegation project – initiated by President Cynthia Contini Mirbel – and entitled “The fresco of female entrepreneurship in Réunion”.

To mark the start of the year 2025, a big celebration evening is planned. It will bring together members of the delegation, institutional partners and business leaders from Reunion to celebrate the first successes and lay the groundwork for the next stages of the project. On January 3, 2025, a cohesion breakfast will be organized at Uni-Vert in La Saline, with the aim of strengthening the links between the founding members and the new members, but also to start the year 2025 on the basis of solid and ambitious. Beyond the concrete actions already undertaken, the Reunion delegation of Women Business Leaders has clear objectives, looking to the future: creating a space of exchanges and listening for its members, promoting conviviality and mutual aid. But also support the growth of member companies through professional and personal development initiatives for managers. Finally, FCE Réunion wishes to enable members to take up mandates in economic life at the local, regional and national level to promote the place of women.