The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is ripe for entrepreneurial growth, particularly among women. Despite challenges, women entrepreneurs are increasingly driving economic development and social progress.
As per reports, there is a 20 percent YoY increase in women-led businesses across the MENA region. Some reports also indicate that over USD 10 million has been allocated for the promotion and support of women-led startups in various countries of the MENA region.
Empowering Equality in Entrepreneurship
In an exclusive interaction with International Business Magazine, Her Excellency Laila Rahhal El Atfani, the President and Founder of Woman Business Circle, shared her thoughts about the support her organisation provides for the growth of women entrepreneurs in the MENA region, “Despite widespread awareness and a globally accepted dialogue of gender equality across several industry sectors, we still observe women facing challenges of gender bias, limited access to capital, networking, and lack of expert mentoring and skewed work-life balance. At Woman Business Circle, we create an inclusive business environment that promotes equal opportunities and challenges all biases. At Woman Business Circle, we are continuously developing a more supportive landscape for women entrepreneurs. Like any business mentors, we aim to introduce our members to various funding programs initiated by governments, organisations and investors. Our primary goal is to enable mentorship and networking programs that connect women entrepreneurs with experienced professionals, offering guidance and access to various resources for growing any business. I have been blessed with the privilege to influence policies and regulations that promote gender equality in the global industry, especially the MENA region.”
Government initiatives play a crucial role. Policy reforms can establish a supportive environment, while funding and grants can provide vital resources. Business incubators and accelerators, specifically tailored for women, can foster innovation and growth.
Her Excellency Laila further added, “It is very important to have a strong mentor at a very early stage in the career. When I started my career, I was fortunate to have a very influential and inspiring man like my father in my life. He played a very pivotal role very early in my career. He helped me build my sense of self-confidence, self-esteem and self-motivation. This sowed the seed of self-empowerment in my childhood. At Woman Business Circle, this is exactly what our goal is for our members. Before they venture into their entrepreneurial venture, we guide our women entrepreneurs to be self-sufficient, self-reliant, and self-disciplined. At Woman Business Circle, we are building confident and truly empowered woman leaders. We want women entrepreneurs to be well-aware and adaptive of the latest policies and opportunities from the government and the private sector.”
The private sector can also contribute significantly. Mentorship programs can pair women entrepreneurs with experienced guides, while networking events can facilitate valuable connections. Access to markets is essential, and companies can provide opportunities for women-led businesses to thrive.
Commenting on this, Her Excellency, who is also a Goodwill Ambassador, President and Founder of Business Gate, UAE, and I AM AFRICA platform and Vice President for Youth Gate Organization in Cambodia said, “I believe the Gulf States have established a very formidable reputation for themselves through world-class infrastructure and attractive investment and business policies for the private sector. Economic reforms have made the region a fertile ground for innovation and entrepreneurship at all levels from across the world. Private players from across Africa and the Middle East regions are enjoying the benefit of the diversification strategy adopted by the GCC members to mitigate their over-dependence on the oil industry. This has promoted a more competitive and vibrant private sector making the Gulf states a key component in most of the international affairs between Europe and the Asian countries.”
A Woman on a Mission
Her Excellency Laila Rahhal El Atfani is highly committed to several engagements throughout the year, which include events, conferences, panel discussions, keynote speeches and several other networking activities across the globe. Her global exposure has garnered attention from across the globe making her the symbol of women empowerment from the Gulf states and Africa region. As part of her appointment as the Vice-Chairman for the Gulf States Region to the Global Chamber of Business Leaders (GCBL), Her Excellency Laila is extending the cause of youth and women empowerment.
Sharing her vision for the role, Her Excellency explained, “I am confident that my role in GCBL would promote gender equality and improve the dialogues on women’s rights and opportunities, first in the GCC region, then Asia and then eventually, across the globe. I have been blessed with this opportunity at GCBL to work and learn from successful and potentially disruptive business personalities from across the globe. This has helped me to incorporate their learnings into my business and social activities. I am introduced to many concepts related to sustainable practices and the latest enterprise tools and solutions that have given a radical change to my approach towards entrepreneurship in various industries in the world. GCBL has helped me realise several opportunities in the Gulf business community by embracing sustainability, innovation, diversity and collaboration. Meeting these world-class personalities has made me a better mentor and businesswoman for Woman Business Circle and a better human for society.”
Civil society organizations are vital in building capacity, advocating for women’s entrepreneurship, and engaging communities. Training programs can develop essential skills, while advocacy campaigns can raise awareness and promote women’s economic empowerment. As the Founder of REFAI, a Non-Governmental Organization based out of Switzerland, Her Excellency mentioned, “Many of my social activities are basically collaborations with like-minded people with similar interests and a common vision. I am fortunate to be associated with Youth and SME Builder, Youth Excellence Summit, Building Future Leaders, I Am Africa Talks, The Voice Business Forum, Art of Africa, Time to Invest in Africa, Branding for E-Marketing, Women Empowerment (Rurals), African Talent Fashion (New Designer Festival), African Woman in Dubai, Youth Updated National Model SDG, EXPOMUN Youth Development, 50 Inspiring Women, 50 Entrepreneur Leadership, Global Women Leadership, Women in Art, Women in Business, Women Driving the Future and many such associations. All these collaborations and associations have been possible for me because of my strong relationships based on trust and mutual understanding. All the organisations that I am involved in, be it non-government or for government, and non-profit or for profit, strive to improve the lives of individuals and communities through technical advancements, financial empowerment, strategic planning and educational activities.”
As the Vice President of Voice Magazine, a reputed forum that has been the voice of the children of Africa for the past 25 years, Her Excellency Laila Rahhal El Atfani has been actively engaged in promoting and developing the education and business ecosystem in several African countries. She won several accolades and appreciation for her contribution through the I Am Africa Platform, a platform focussed on the development of Africa as a region of new opportunities.
Technology and digitalization are key drivers of growth. Online platforms can expand market reach, while digital skills training can enhance competitiveness. Mobile payment solutions can increase financial inclusion, bridging the gap for women entrepreneurs. Education and research are critical components. Integrating entrepreneurship courses in schools and universities can cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship. Research and data analysis can identify trends and challenges, informing evidence-based policies.
The MENA region should focus on women in STEM, women-led SMEs, rural and underserved communities, digital entrepreneurship, and social entrepreneurship. Regional partnerships with organizations like the Arab League, GCC, UN Women, and the World Bank can amplify impact. To measure progress, key performance indicators (KPIs) should track the number of women-led businesses, entrepreneurship rates, access to finance, women’s participation in STEM, and GDP contribution.
Several initiatives are already making a difference. The UN Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) initiative, Arab Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP), MENA Women’s Business Network, Women’s Business Fund (WBF), and Google’s Women Entrepreneurs Initiative are notable examples.
Boost the Business from Local to Global
Her Excellency Laila Rahhal El Atfani is a Board Member of several International Organisations and has been honoured with several awards and accolades for her contribution towards the business community in the African and the Gulf regions. She is the most inspiring businesswoman and social leader in the UAE. On a closing note, Her Excellency Laila advises all aspiring women entrepreneurs to first believe in their ideas and then steadily work towards implementing them. At Woman Business Circle, she has showcased the positive impact on society and the nation by promoting gender equality and by celebrating women’s achievements. She wants all aspiring women entrepreneurs across the world to have the ability to adapt and be well-organised with strong planning skills. Through her associations, collaborations and years of experience, Her Excellency is strongly committed towards investments in the SMEs and MSME sectors of the industry. This plays a huge role in achieving her aim of nurturing fresh young women entrepreneurs.
There is only one success mantra for all business persons, man or woman; Be organised. Discipline is something that would help you to focus on your goals, and be more creative and resistant to risks involved in business activities. Her Excellency strongly advises to have a strong belief in oneself and establish specific goals and vision for a stipulated time. She believes that surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals further supports our purpose and Woman Business Circle was established to serve this very purpose. She wants all entrepreneurs, no matter the business sector or the industry of operations, to remember that true success in trade comes when you trade in the currency of kindness and humanity.
Women entrepreneurship in the MENA region requires a collaborative effort. By implementing these strategies and initiatives, the region can unlock the full potential of women entrepreneurs, driving economic growth, social progress, and a brighter future.
Article by Ujal Nair
