KUWAIT – Women worldwide continue to face significant barriers in entrepreneurship, said Sheikha Hessa Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, the Chairwoman of the Council of Arab Businesswomen (CABW) and Ambassador of the Arab Region for the International Federation of Businesswomen.
She also affirmed the ongoing efforts to economically empower women, enhance their labor market participation, and foster a culture of entrepreneurship among them.
Sheikha Hessa praised the Kuwaiti Federation of Professionals and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for their active involvement in the “Economic Empowerment of Women and Young Entrepreneurs” regional conference.
The event, held recently in Bahrain in collaboration with the International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW International), focused on advancing the role of women and young entrepreneurs in the Asia-Pacific region.
She noted positive developments in the Middle East and North Africa, where reforms are being implemented to accelerate gender equality. “We are working towards creating a more balanced environment where women can succeed alongside men in overcoming future challenges,” she said.
She emphasized the need for women’s economic empowerment and increased opportunities as a catalyst for establishing a sustainable society where economic growth is inclusive.
The conference, which Sheikha Hessa described as a valuable platform for exchanging expertise and experiences, saw the participation of approximately 180 individuals. These included members from BPW International, SMEs, young entrepreneurs, and others interested in the economic empowerment of women and youth from various countries affiliated with BPW International.
Sheikha Hessa expressed gratitude for the efforts of the conference organizers, highlighting that it was the first event of its kind in the Middle East.
The conference showcased a range of local, regional, and international success stories, aiming to enhance women’s employment opportunities and skill development across various sectors.
She emphasized the importance of collaboration between women and entrepreneurs to achieve gender equality in the workplace.
Sheikha Hessa pointed out that women’s knowledge, culture, economic intelligence, and societal roles are crucial in this endeavor. She stressed that achieving gender equality is a collective responsibility and a key component in realizing the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.