These came during a meeting with President of MENA Businesswomen’s Network Ms. Afnan Al Zayani, where she presented to the minister Network’s members who are visiting Bahrain to participate in the Network Annual General Meeting.

At the beginning of the Meeting, the Minister expressed leadership and government tribute of all efforts undertaken by Bahrain and Arab businesswomen in order to establish positive images of women’s participation in community development and upgrade economic and living condition of the Arab Families. He referred to government support for all steps that will enhance these efforts and achieve the desired objective of existing institutions.

As minister stressed Ministry keenness to provide all facilities and capabilities and required support for these institutions.

In contrast, Ms. Afnan Al Zayani and Network members thank the government and the Ministry for their continuous efforts for the private sector.

It should be noted Businesswomen in the Middle East and North Africa face many of the same challenges as businesswomen in other parts of the world: gaining access to capital to start and grow businesses, opening new markets, building strong brands and loyal customers, gaining the skills and experience to capitalize on opportunity, leveraging technology and recruiting and maintaining talent. But they face obstacles – legal, institutional, cultural – that add to the complexity of achieving success as well as centuries of tradition that define the role of women in the community and the family.