Financial and economic challenges that GCC businesswomen face will be the focus of a forum set to be held next month in Bahrain.

It aims to enhance mutual understanding among Gulf businesswomen and highlight the role of pioneers and entrepreneurs in the region, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

The second Gulf Businesswomen Forum, organised by the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and GCC Chambers' General Secretariat, will be held at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel on October 15 and 16 under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and Supreme Council for Women president.

“Some of the obstacles we face are economic and some socio-economic,” said Al Zayani Commercial Services president Afnan Al Zayani during a Press conference at BCCI headquarters yesterday.

“Access to information at the right time gives you a head start.

“A lot of the deals, news and opportunities to know about projects in advance are usually discussed in men's forums, such as majlis, clubs or when they go fishing.

“This means for the time being, they are the major decision makers,” Al Zayani said.

One of the objectives of this forum, she said, is to highlight that there is a benefit to having women participate because they have a different perspective which compliments the perspective of men.

“When it comes to finance, in many cases banks will tell you to bring a male guarantor,” she said.

“I’ve never seen a man come into the bank and be asked to bring his wife as a guarantor.

“Look at us as individuals regardless of gender. Look at qualifications and the value we bring.

“When we come as educated citizens, countries cannot afford to miss out on tapping in on these energies,” Al Zayani said.

Mercedes-Benz director Deema Al Haddad said that a lack of mentorship was a serious issue.

“Entrepreneurs and women in Bahrain and all over the world lack mentorship as well as the follow-up,” she said.

“They work to get the funds, but there's no one to follow up on them.

“They don't know what to do after the first year.

“They establish their business, but they need someone to mentor them and help them follow up,” Al Haddad said.

“Even businesswomen who have been in the trade for a very long time sometimes need professional advice from someone who has gone through the same experience.

“I hope we can cover that in this conference,” she said.

The press conference was also attended by Al Rashid Group chairwoman Shaikha Hind bint Salman Al Khalifa and Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society chairwoman Ahlam Janahi. -TradeArabia News Service