Realising the Potential of Arab Women in the Private and Public Sectors

Representatives from both the public and private sector discussed the means to optimize the contribution of Arab women in the development of the region during the first U.S.-based conference of the Arab International Women’s Forum (AIWF), hosted by the World Bank Middle East North Africa in Washington, D.C. recently

The conference, titled ‘Partners for Change: Realizing the Potential of Arab Women in the Private and Public Sector,’ drew participants from over 20 countries including the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East. It gathered Arab and international policymakers in an attempt to stimulate dialogue aimed at removing roadblocks to women’s gainful participation in Arab politics, economies and society.

Robert B. Zoellick, President of the World Bank, argued that Arab women, given the right environment, could be successful entrepreneurs, influential political leaders, and formidable global business managers. Pointing to the findings of a recent Bank report, he said, “While only 13% of firms or companies in the Middle East are owned by women, there is no significant difference in terms of size, age, sector, exports, and foreign direct investment to those firms owned by men”. Successful women entrepreneurs from all over the Middle East also gathered during the two day conference to hear ministers including HE Dr. Sharifa Khalfan Al Yahyai, Minister of Social Development in Oman, HE Hala Bseisu Lattouf, Minister of Social Development in Jordan, and HE Dr Huda Ali Al-Ban, Minister of Human Rights in Yemen, talk about the gains women have made in the region.

Speakers also argued, however, that much progress was still needed in the region. Despite the rising number of young Arab women enrolled in higher education, which has resulted in a pool of qualified potential employees, research showed that the number of graduates who actually moved into the work force in countries within the MENA region remains low.

Nadereh Chamlou, Senior Advisor and gender specialist for the MENA region, expressed confidence that the conference had “showcased these accomplished, dedicated and successful Arab women as role models for future generations in the Middle East, a side to Arab women that is not adequately covered in the media.”

Haifa Fahoum Al-Kaylani, Founder and Chair of AIWF, said, “AIWF was established in 2001 as a non-profit organization aimed at bringing together women from the Arab world with those from across the international community. Our goal is to serve as the voice of Arab women in business and government, through a series of global initiatives, conferences, and programmes. It is truly representative of the direction that the region is taking, and of our continuing commitment to the promotion of cross-cultural diversity, connectivity and understanding between the Arab world and the international community through women.”

The conference was supported by a number of AIWF’s global corporate partners, including PepsiCo International, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Shell and DLA Piper.

HE Hala Bseisu Lattouf, Minister of Social Development in Jordan, Mrs. Haifa Fahoum Al Kaylani, Chairman Arab International Women's Forum, Mr Robert Zoellick, President, The World Bank HE, Dr. Sharifa Khalfan Al Yahyai, Minister of Social Development in Oman, HE Dr Huda Ali Al-Ban, Minister of Human Rights in Yemen.

Arab International Women’s Forum

Founded in 2001 as an independent, non-profit organisation, the Arab International Women’s Forum has served as a voice for Arab women in business and in government, showcasing their contribution to economic growth and development in the Arab region and globally. Headquartered in London and led by a voluntary Board of Trustees, AIWF brings growing numbers of influential, progressive women in corporate, academic and public life from 22 Arab countries together with their counterparts in Europe, the Americas, Africa and beyond, to foster closer cooperation and realize the full potential of Arab women in achieving progress, prosperity and development in the region.

© 2008 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)