Manama, February 9 (BNA): The 18th edition of the International Women’s Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC) Annual Conference was held in the Kingdom under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW). The IWEC Foundation organized the event in collaboration with the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the Investment and Technology Promotion Office of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Bahrain.
Under patronage of HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim, Bahrain hosts 18th Global IWEC Women Entrepreneurs Challenge Conference
The BCCI’s chairman, Sameer Nass, expressed pride in hosting this international event that honors Bahraini women’s accomplishments in the economy both domestically and abroad. He also praised HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim’s support of Bahraini women and her forward-thinking outlook in all fields.
In addition to highlighting the Chamber’s dedication to enhancing its collaboration with UNIDO in order to support the private sector in Bahrain, the region, and worldwide, as well as to adopt related best practices, Nass pointed out that the IWEC forum has developed into a global platform for promoting best practices in leadership, creativity, innovation, and sustainability.
UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller praised HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim’s leadership and direction in encouraging Bahraini women to pursue entrepreneurship, pointing out its benefits for families, communities, and other areas outside of the business world. He thanked the Kingdom for supporting UNIDO and praised Bahraini women entrepreneurs for actively contributing to the prosperity of their country. He described Bahrain as a solid partner with whom much can be accomplished.
Müller added that the conference is a valuable forum for discussing advancements in the business world, such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and shifting business environments. He emphasized the necessity of international initiatives to improve education, gender parity, and competitiveness. He emphasized the significance of communal engagement in enhancing women’s capacity.
“Bahraini women are productive and pioneering, offering a distinguished example of Arab women generally,” stated IIbukun Awosika, Chairperson of IWEC, emphasizing the significance of promoting Bahrain’s pioneering model in business both regionally and internationally. She also mentioned how these conferences serve as international gathering places for innovators and leaders to honor the accomplishments of female entrepreneurs and reassert their critical role in promoting sustainable economic growth.
During the conference, the IWEC Women Entrepreneurs Challenge Awards winners were revealed. Dr. Shaikha Mai bint Sulaiman Al Otaibi, the founder of +973 Artisanat and chairperson of the Bahrain Bayan School Board of Trustees, received first prize. Hala Farooq Al Moayyad, the vice chairperson of the Al Moayyad International Group, received second place. Vicky Maad, the second vice chairperson and chairperson of the Women Entrepreneurs Association’s Communications Committee, and Deema Al Haddad, the vice chairperson of Al Haddad Motors, were given third place.
The IWEC conference is a reflection of Bahrain’s pioneering role in promoting programs for women’s economic empowerment, offering global venues for information sharing, forming alliances, and creating new chances for female entrepreneurs. One of the most well-known international gatherings for women entrepreneurs, IWEC brings together entrepreneurs, leaders, and decision-makers. It also provides a useful forum for promoting international collaboration and showcasing successful and inspirational business concepts.
