Amal Clooney at the Cartier Women’s Initiative Dialogues in Milan as the programme celebrated 20 years
Amal Clooney spoke on the opening panel to urge action on women’s rights, while female entrepreneurs among the 2026 fellows shared their experiences and advice
Clooney, who is a human rights lawyer and co-founder of the Clooney Foundation Justice, appeared in the opening panel alongside Monica Lucarelli, the councillor for productive activities, equal opportunities and investment attraction for Roma Capitale. It was moderated by Cyrille Vigneron, chairman of Cartier Culture and Philanthropy.
“It is true that you cannot prevent evil, but you can contrast apathy,” said Clooney. “Make women know their rights, give them access to justice, and contrast the double standard of leadership models – other extremely important acts that we all must pursue daily.”
She added, “There is still so much to be done to grant equal rights and opportunities to women worldwide, and a programme like the Cartier Women’s Initiative is a great tool because, aside from the financial support of the awards, it promotes a stronger sense of sisterhood among women.”
Born in 2006 and fully funded by Cartier, the Cartier Women’s Initiative offers 10 fellowships to female entrepreneurs each year and provides their businesses with financial assistance, enabling them to build their businesses as a force for good. To date, it has supported 330 female entrepreneurs from 66 countries with US$14.1 million in grants.
Applications for the Cartier Women’s Initiative 2027 will be open from April 16 to June 16. Women-led ventures worldwide, from AI diagnostics to regenerative agriculture, are called to apply.
Meanwhile, on June 10, an awards ceremony will be held in Bangkok in recognition of the 2026 fellows.