The SHE LEADS initiative, organized by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) in partnership with the International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY), recently brought together 12 female entrepreneurs from the MENA region for a three-day workshop. The program aimed to provide these women with essential business skills and connect them to a strong entrepreneurial network.
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in various mentorship opportunities, expert-led sessions, and practical activities designed to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange. They took part in business introductions, conducted a SWOT analysis, and visited a successful startup, gaining valuable insights into effective business practices. The program also facilitated knowledge sharing between local and international women entrepreneurs.
Among the participants were two Tunisian founders who built on their previous experience in the ImpactHER program, which supports women entrepreneurs through mentorship and global connections. They shared their journeys, presented their business models, and joined sessions focused on resilience in challenging environments. The field visit to a local startup offered additional perspectives on best practices for scaling businesses and tackling operational challenges.
At the end of the workshop, participants developed individual action plans, setting both short- and long-term business objectives. They recognized the importance of such initiatives in driving sustainable growth for women-led businesses across the MENA region.
The final day focused on future planning, enabling participants to outline actionable goals and strategies based on the insights they had gained.
The SHE LEADS initiative aligns with government efforts to promote economic participation and gender equality in the MENA region. By supporting entrepreneurship and building international networks, the program plays a crucial role in regional economic growth. Furthermore, including women in leadership positions helps bridge the gender gap, supporting global movements toward gender equality and inclusion.
