In a dynamic and enlightening event, “She’s Next: Spotlighting Women Entrepreneurs in the Middle East,” hosted by Forbes Middle East in collaboration with Visa, influential business leaders and entrepreneurs from across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region came together to celebrate and empower female entrepreneurs. The event, held virtually on September 26, 2023, not only shed light on the challenges faced by women in business but also provided invaluable insights on how to overcome these barriers and succeed in various industries. Here, we delve into the key takeaways and inspiring stories shared during this event.The Vision of Empowering WomenKhuloud Al Omian, the Editor-in-Chief at Forbes Middle East and CEO of Arab Publisher House, set the tone by emphasizing the importance of empowering women in entrepreneurship. She highlighted the initiative’s goal of discovering and nurturing the best female talent, offering them opportunities and training to thrive in their business endeavors.Seven Lessons on SuccessAmbareen Musa, the CEO of Souqalmal.com, kicked off the event with a powerful keynote speech, “Seven Lessons on Success for Women Entrepreneurs in the Middle East.” Musa stressed the significance of cultivating the right mindset and urged women not to let others’ definitions of success deter them from pursuing their unique paths. She emphasized the importance of purpose, confidence, and unwavering belief in one’s abilities.A Roadmap to GreatnessSaeeda Jaffar, Visa’s Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for the GCC, moderated a fireside chat titled “A Roadmap To Greatness—How To Develop A Strategy For Your Business.” This discussion highlighted the “She’s Next” initiative’s commitment to providing women entrepreneurs with funding, mentoring, coaching, and networking opportunities.The chat featured insights from three accomplished women entrepreneurs:Mona Ataya, Founder and CEO at Mumzworld, discussed the journey of scaling a successful e-commerce business.Karen Wazen, Owner of Karen Wazen Eyewear, shared her experiences as a social media influencer and entrepreneur in the fashion industry.Madiha Sattar, Vice President at Careem Pay, provided insights into the finance and digital payments sector.The key takeaway was the importance of developing a comprehensive strategy that balances business growth with personal well-being, acknowledging the need to nurture both professional and personal aspects of life.
Traits for SuccessThe panel “Are There Certain Traits That Women Need To Have To Be Successful?” explored the qualities that contribute to female entrepreneurs’ success. Moderated by Leila Serhan, Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for North Africa, Levant, and Pakistan at Visa, the panel featured distinguished speakers:Azza Fahmy, Chairwoman and Creative Director at Azza Fahmy JewelryAsmae Hajjami, Managing Director at Societe Generale MarocMirna Arif, General Manager of Microsoft in EgyptHany El-Dieb, Head of Business Banking Segments and Products & Credit Relations Management at CIBThe discussion emphasized the importance of a growth mindset, curiosity, and resilience for aspiring female entrepreneurs. For women in leadership roles, being supportive, empathetic, and inclusive was highlighted as essential for empowering younger women to pursue leadership positions.
Tackling CyberbullyingThe event also addressed the pressing issue of cyberbullying in a hyperconnected digital world. Zahra Lari, CEO and Co-Founder of Emirates Skating Club, shared her experiences as the world’s first hijabi figure skater and discussed the importance of strong support systems in combating cyberbullying. Her insights shed light on the challenges faced by women in the public eye and the need for effective strategies to tackle online harassment.Access to Networks and CapitalThe event’s final panel, “Enabling Access to Peer Networks and Capital,” featured prominent figures:Nadine Halabi, Business Development Manager at Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC)Sara Al Binali, Group Head of Corporate and Commercial Banking at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)Leslie Reed, Mission Director at USAID-EgyptElisa Freiha, Founder and CEO of WomenaSpeakers emphasized the importance of women entrepreneurs investing in building strong networks to increase their social capital.
These networks open doors to collaboration, funding opportunities, and emotional support systems. The panelists encouraged women to proactively seek mentorship and take advantage of available resources.In conclusion, the “She’s Next” event celebrated the achievements of female entrepreneurs in the MENA region and provided a platform for valuable discussions on entrepreneurship, leadership, and empowerment. As women continue to make strides in diverse industries, initiatives like this one play a crucial role in facilitating their success and inspiring the next generation of women entrepreneurs
