The Veuve Clicquot Initiative for Economic Development was created in 2007, under the leadership of Cécile Bonnefond, 10th President of Veuve Clicquot, to promote businesswomen whose impact is critical on the three less developed continents: Africa, Asia and South America. Based on the World Bank and United Nations criteria, this Award identifies exceptional women who live and work in these countries, and who have demonstrated the qualities of audacity and boldness to influence the economic development of their country. Corporate Social Responsibility has been the one most significant criterion for the selection of these awardees.
The entries are first judged by an esteemed panel of judges, with the final selection being made by the international network of Veuve Clicquot Award winners, who will select one winner from each continent. The three exceptional women from 2009 joined the International Business Women’s Forum held in Reims, France during October alongside the global winners.
Past winners of this Award include: