Mary Kay has announced the launch of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator, a multi-partner initiative designed to inspire, educate and empower business women around the world.

The initiative was developed in consultation with six UN agencies: UN Women, UNOP, ILO, ITC, UNGC and UNDP and imposes no qualifying barriers to participate. The Accelerator will be available in six languages initially, offering a guided digital curriculum supplemented by on-the-ground training and mentorship. A committee of entrepreneurs, advocates and celebrities will oversee the expansion and promotion of the program – the end-goal is to launch in 192 countries.

“Mary Kay has empowered women through entrepreneurship and supported their aspirations for financial security and independence for more than 56 years,” said Deborah Gibbins, Chief Operating Officer of Mary Kay. “Private and public-sector organizations must work together to ensure all women entrepreneurs have access to the tools and education they need to make their dreams of financial independence a reality, lifting up their families and communities.”

“An informed woman with money in her pocket, is an empowered woman. With the growing number of female innovators active today, women’s entrepreneurship and empowerment are strongly on the rise,” said Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN Women. “The advocates from across the world who are joining forces to create the Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator will enable more women than ever to become knowledgeable entrepreneurs, cultivate financial independence, and support their local communities.”