20 years of impact: Inside Cartier’s long-standing support for women social entrepreneurs

As consumers increasingly seek brands that align with their values, luxury houses like Cartier are amplifying their global influence to champion social causes. For two decades, Cartier has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs through its Women's Initiative (CWI), a program founded on the belief that women-led businesses are powerful agents of change.

Launched in 2006, the CWI supports early-stage, women-founded or women-led companies tackling pressing societal issues. It offers not only financial grants but also crucial mentorship and a platform to scale their operations. The initiative is set to mark its 20th anniversary in 2026, underscoring a long-standing dedication to fostering women's ventures and their potential for significant social and economic impact.

Kiyo Taga, global program director of CWI, explained that the initiative's focus on women entrepreneurs is deeply rooted in Cartier's own history, citing pioneering women like Jeanne Toussaint, the brand's first female jewelry designer and an entrepreneur in her own right. This legacy continues today, with women holding significant roles within Cartier's workforce and leadership.

The CWI provides support through financial, social, and human capital. It features ten awards, including nine regional categories and a Science & Technology Pioneer Award introduced in 2021. The top three fellows in each category receive grant funding, with first-place recipients awarded $100,000, second-place $60,000, and third-place $30,000. To date, the initiative has distributed over $14.1 million in grants, fostering a global network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and changemakers.

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Women have always had a pivotal role in the maison. It comes from our history as well. We had Jeanne Toussaint, who was the first female designer of jewellery and was an entrepreneur herself back in the day.