THE Caribbean Women in Trade (CWIT) Organization has bestowed a special honour on Jamaican Patricia Francis for her stellar achievements and contribution to her community. Francis received the CWIT’s International Woman of the Year award, having previously served as executive director of the International Trade Centre, and currently sitting as the chair of Jamaica’s Trade Facilitation Task Force.

Known as an international leader in trade, development and investment, Francis uses her experience in the private sector along with government and international organisations, to promote greater engagement for women in various informal sectors, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises, to partake in international trade. She is an avid advocate for creating spaces where international trade can be done easily and efficiently.

“I am ecstatic to have been recognised for the contribution and work that I have put in, to foster the growth of women in the trade industry, and in every aspect of life. I do this because I have a genuine love for what I do; however, it feels amazing to be recognised, and I am beyond grateful,” Francis said.

Her life’s contribution to society has extended to many countries, where she has held various positions of influence. These include the head of the UN Secretary General’s High-Level Panel on Women’s Economic Empowerment in 2016, and the assistant secretary general and executive director of the International Trade Centre from 2006 to 2013. Separate from the aforementioned, she also held a number of positions in the Jamaican workforce.