Dr. Sumaya Hashim launches Bahrain's first GEM Women's Report

Arab attitudes towards women in business Arab attitudes towards women in business are diverse and evolving, reflecting the region's varied legal, cultural, and economic landscapes. While historical and cultural norms have traditionally limited women's participation, there is a growing recognition of the value of women's economic contributions, supported by reform efforts and rising female entrepreneurship. Traditional Attitudes and Persistent Challenges Historically, traditional socio-cultural and sometimes legal norms in parts of the Arab world have resulted in the lowest female labor force participation rate globally (around 20%), despite high rates of female education. Attitudes are changing, driven by government initiatives, a dynamic private sector, and the sheer talent and ambition of Arab women. * 🧕Policy and Legal Reforms: Many Gulf and North African states are actively implementing legal and institutional reforms to enhance women's economic participation and entrepreneurship. Examples include: * 🧕Granting women the right to open their own businesses without male consent (e.g., in Saudi Arabia). * 🧕Mandating equal pay and promoting gender-inclusive recruitment practices (e.g., in the UAE). * 🧕Investing in ecosystems for female entrepreneurs (e.g., Bahrain, UAE). * 🧕Saudi Arabia has seen a significant increase in its female labor force participation rate following reforms. * 🧕Entrepreneurship as a Force for Change: * 🧕The Arab world has a high percentage of startups founded or led by women (approximately one in three), a rate higher than in some Western tech hubs like Silicon Valley. * 🧕Technology and the digital economy offer women attractive avenues to bypass traditional barriers, enabling work with greater flexibility and breaking gender norms. * 🧕Women entrepreneurs often bring cultural insights that provide a competitive advantage, especially in sectors like healthcare, education, and e-commerce. * 🧕🧕🧕Historical Precedents: It's important to note that the Qur'an and early Islamic legislation granted women significant rights to own property, manage wealth independently, and conduct business, a position that was sometimes weakened by later local customs. This historical context is often cited by reformers today. In summary, contemporary Arab attitudes are characterized by a tension between persistent traditional norms and accelerating modernization and reform, with governments and a growing cohort of successful female entrepreneurs actively working to foster a more inclusive business environment. #Arab #attitudes #women #business

The importance of Emirati women’s role in economic activities could be well-illustrated by measurable outcomes born of deliberate choices. In Abu Dhabi, targeted policy, licensing reforms, and a supportive enterprise ecosystem are converting potential into performance for Emirati women in business. This progress is anchored in a national framework that prioritizes women’s participation and prosperity. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dwSgxfRU Authored by: H.E. Hala Khaled Al Ameri, executive director – Competitiveness & Economic Policies, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development #UAE #AbuDhabi #Emiratiwomen #womenleaders

If African women had equal access to resources, they could grow the continent’s economy. Across Africa, women are already powering our markets: running farms, leading startups, managing trade, and building family businesses. Yet they still face greater barriers than their male counterparts when it comes to funding, training, networks, and visibility. That results an enormous potential left untapped not just for women, but for entire economies. At Kasi Afrique, we believe empowering women entrepreneurs is not only the right thing to do it’s the smartest investment we can make. When women build, they hire, educate, and uplift their communities. Their success multiplies. That’s why our mission includes: • Offering practical training in business, finance, and digital tools • Creating visibility and storytelling platforms to spotlight their ventures • Facilitating mentorship and trade opportunities across Africa and the diaspora. We don’t just celebrate women on panels we walk with them through the hard steps of building, scaling, and thriving. Because when one woman rises, a generation follows. Africa doesn’t just need more entrepreneurs it needs more women at the forefront and Kasi Afrique is here to make that happen. Nelly Chebet Divine Muragijimana Josephine Musau Nelly Chebet Rina Muthoni Phina Njeru Yoliswa Namukulwa Esther Adu-Darko Leah Butala Wivine ML NIYUBAHWE Reine Christella INGABIRE Robinah Ruth Osoro Biyaki Bosire Biyaki Makori Christine Cherotich Emmchel Dudu Erika MAHORO Faith Enang Toluwani Shoniran Camilla Buziba Njeri Faith Anne Khaimia Clarisse Iribagiza Clairia IRADUKUNDA Rossa Kamariza Mwiche Mukoma Gladys Cobbina-Agyemang Bethlehem B. UNWomen Wwk Genein Letford, M.Ed Femmes Entrepreneuses #KasiAfrique #WomenEntrepreneursAfrica #EmpowerHer #WomenInTrade

Female-headed households (FHHs) in Africa often face heightened vulnerability to poverty, largely due to limited access to education, skills development, financial services, and employment opportunities. Yet, research shows that when women have access to resources and control over income, the impact is transformative, leading to faster poverty reduction, improved health outcomes, and greater investment in children’s education. By supporting initiatives that expand access to resources, skills development, and capacity building, we can unlock the full potential of women entrepreneurs and create lasting economic impact across the continent.

What happens when banks actually have the data on how women entrepreneurs access their products and services? Had the pleasure to work with the ILO's Women's Entrepreneurship Development Programme last year on this newly published study, charting outcomes from their WE-Check institutional self-assessment tool on women entrepreneurs’ inclusion in service provision. With IBS Bank in Somalia, the analysis and findings catalysed the bank to launch tailored financing products to women entrepreneurs, with some impressive results to date. 👇Check out the study through the link in the post below:

Themed "Her Power. Africa's Future." the first day of the Standard Bank Top Women™️ conference 2025 offered valuable insights and foundational principles for both aspiring and established entrepreneurs. The programme, which featured accomplished women from various sectors as keynote speakers and panelists, was masterfully moderated by the impeccable Gugulethu Mfuphi. Here are some key highlights from the event: - Emphasizing equal participation and "Investing in her Power" as core themes, Nonnie Kubeka (through her Host Province Address) underscored the role of entrepreneurs as catalysts of change and contributors to scaling success. - Collaboration is essential for entrepreneurial success; expanding the ecosystem is crucial. - Addressing the disparity in unemployment rates between men and women is vital. Understanding the reasons behind this gap and taking action within our spheres is imperative as shared. - Despite the need for funding women-led businesses, targets are not being met. Encouraging more women to apply for funding and challenging traditional norms is crucial. - Compliance is essential for accessing opportunities and funding; demystifying compliance processes is necessary. - Inclusive empowerment efforts and discussions should involve men and focus on technical capacity building in addition to soft skills development. - Women should assertively pursue opportunities, clearly communicate their strengths, needs, and areas for growth in the entrepreneurial landscape. A particularly engaging discussion centered on "Women Leading Impact- Feeding Potential Inside-Out," featuring insights from industry leaders like Nolo Thobejane Chief People, Culture and Purpose Officer at KFC Africa, Akhona Qengqe General Manager KFC Africa, and Alexia Shuenyane Commercial Director Bidvest Services South Africa. Beyond securing capital, the discussion explored building social capital, advocating for oneself in absentia, and attracting sponsors who champion one's voice. In conclusion, sponsorship is earned through demonstrated performance, active participation, and valuable contributions, leading to recognition and support. 👏 #SBTopWomen #TopcoMedia #WomenEntrepreneurs #ExecutiveConsultants #HerPowerAfricasFuture #LeadingWomen #Technology #WomenInTechnology #MiningSolutions #FleetOptimisation #AVA

Women are taking the led in setting up the Franchising Industry in Africa. It was such an honour to be invited to attend the Prolific Woman Conference by the delectable Chima Steve-Ebor( HCIB), a Woman of Substance and Influence. This event was so timely for today's woman and the upcoming generation. Women of High Calibre openly shared their experiences in Career and Business to a very alive audience. Special Appreciation the Madam Bethel Ehikioya, the Conveynor of this great vision for the amazing work she is doing to raise top tier in the society. The energy in the room was electric, and the reception to franchising as a model for business expansion was overwhelmingly encouraging. It's heartening to see women taking the lead in shaping the franchising industry in Africa! As we move forward, I'm excited to see the impact of franchising in framing a brighter future for our world. Let's continue to support and empower each other in this journey! *What role do you think franchising can play in driving economic growth and women's empowerment in Africa? Share your thoughts!* #FranchisingInAfrica ##thatfranchiselady #omoekuntonjeekun ##Ecosystembuilder #Futureframing #WomenEmpowerment #BusinessExpansion #Leadership #EconomicGrowth #FramingTheFuture #marketsredefined

When Digital Disruption Meets Women’s Potential New research on African women digital entrepreneurs reveals something bold: despite infrastructure challenges and financing barriers, women are not just participating; they are innovating, exporting, and reshaping trade across borders. Here’s what stands out: 89% of women entrepreneurs still rely on personal savings because external funding remains elusive. Only 19% of women-led businesses say they are fully digital, largely due to infrastructure gaps. Export activity is happening, but many women export reactively and to just a few countries. For women entrepreneurs in Africa, this is not a disadvantage. It is an engine of opportunity. At iPush-HER Africa, we see two clear paths forward: 1. Support the digital shift by helping women scale online, reach global markets, and build digital-first businesses. 2. Back strategic investment through capital, infrastructure, and mentorship so that “digital” becomes the baseline, not a privilege. This is how women turn disruption into dominance. We are not observers. We are architects. #iPushHERAfrica #WomenInDigital #FemaleEntrepreneurs #BusinessGrowth #InnovationAfrica

From Jordan to Germany – Empowering Women in Business Business and Professional Women Association- Amman (BPWA) #Wexport is proud to be part of the Jordanian Delegation on Innovation & Women’s Economic Empowerment on a one-week trade mission to #Berlin. Led by H.E. the Secretary General of the Ministry of Industry, Trade & Supply Dana Alzoubi, this mission brings together the Jordanian National Team for Empowering Women-Led & Women-Owned Businesses, alongside private sector leaders and business associations. Over the week, the delegation will: ✔️ Exchange with German institutions, chambers, and women’s associations. ✔️ Explore good practices in SME promotion, innovation, and empowerment. ✔️ Build cross-market collaboration opportunities between Jordanian & German WL/WOB. This mission is more than a visit — it is a bridge for knowledge, innovation, and partnerships that strengthen women’s role in shaping an inclusive and resilient economic future. This study tour is implemented by GIZ Jordan through Innovative Private Sector Development project on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ) in cooperation with #The_Ministry_of_Industry_Trade_and_Supply , ignore gravity and Grace - Accelerate Female Entrepreneurship. #BPWA #Wexport #WomenInBusiness #Jordan #Germany #TradeMission #EconomicEmpowerment #Innovation #WLWOB #WomenEntrepreneurs #InclusiveGrowth #SMEDevelopment #BusinessInnovation #EconomicModernisationVision Amal Daghlas

Women play a pivotal role across various economic fields, having demonstrated their ability to contribute effectively to growth and progress through business leadership, supporting innovation, and driving investments in multiple sectors such as education, healthcare, technology, and entrepreneurship. With their expanding participation, women have become an essential element in achieving sustainable development, increasing employment rates, and enhancing competitiveness in both local and global markets. As for People of Determination, they have proven that challenges do not stand in the way of creativity and productivity. By integrating them into workplaces and providing suitable opportunities, they deliver significant added value—strengthening diversity and inclusion, while contributing to higher efficiency through their unique skills and determination to succeed. Empowering women and People of Determination is not only a moral and social responsibility but also an economic investment that fosters community stability and helps build a more equitable and balanced economy. This vision aligns strongly with Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes diversity and inclusivity in the labor market.