The inaugural Middle East and North Africa Businesswomen’s Network (Mena BWN) held in Bahrain recently discussed ways to increase the number of women in business and the value of their businesses.

Organised by Bahrain Horizon, the event was held at the Sheraton Hotel under the patronage of Bahrain Minister of Social Development Dr Fatima Al Balooshi.
 
The Mena BWN is being supported by Vital Voices, a global partnership that works with businesswomen’s organisations in the Mena region, in collaboration with the US State Department’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI).

At the inaugural assembly, discussions took place to form strategies for the Mena BWN to support women, who are the real engines for economic growth in the Middle East and North Africa region, said a statement from Batelco, the silver sponsor at the event.

Mena BWN president Afnan Al Zayani said that as a Bahraini, she was proud  the Network is being incorporated in Bahrain as an NGO with the BBS (Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society) as a founding organisation.

'The network’s goal is to increase the number of women in business and the value of their businesses, to advance the role of women in society, and to promote a regional culture of women's entrepreneurship. Among the key aims is the provision of education, training, networking opportunities and communication programmes,' she noted.

Batelco Group general manager (Media Relations) Ahmed Al Janahi said Batelco was delighted to support the launch of this important organisation which will make a tremendous difference in the lives of women within the Mena region.

“Women in Bahrain and the region play an increasingly important role in a diverse range of businesses and their input is invaluable. Such leading women also serve as an inspiration to younger women and girls in society and can undoubtedly help to shape their future for the better,” he added.