Jordan Times
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Arab businesswomen open
regional conference to enhance role in investment and technology
By Sahar Aloul
AMMAN — Arab businesswomen explored their chances for success in the business world and the challenges they face in the new age of technology during an all-woman regional conference on marketing and investment held here on Tuesday.
“Our participation in the conference comes in
line with our understanding of the great responsibility women shoulder in
development and their significant role in building a modern state,” President of
the Council of Arab Businesswomen (CABW) Sheikha Hassa Al Sabah told the
participants.
Sabah, whose council is co-organising the conference along with the Jordan Forum
for Business and Professional Women (JFBPW), expressed optimism in garnering
support from Arab communities for the important role women play despite the many
obstacles they face.
“The [stereotype] picture of women's limitations is starting to change,” she
told the overwhelming female crowd gathered from Kuwait, United Arab Emirates,
Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Tunisia, Morocco, Sudan
and South Africa.
According to organisers, the conference, held under the banner of “The Current
Status of Investment and Marketing for the Arab Business Women in the Age of
Technology,” will identify the real challenges behind the low women
participation in business, pinpoint the best practices in marketing and
investment and come out with realistic recommendations to overcome difficulties.
“We chose to hold our conference under this banner because it talks about
investment and technology as modern and sustainable development tools since
investment increases women's independence and technology raises their
productivity and revenue,” JFBPW President Senator Wijdan Talhouni Saket
explained.
She stressed that the gathering is a lively example of women involvement in
investment, technology, marketing and training, elements Talhouni believes are
needed to “enhance our homes economically and practically.”
Over the coming two days, delegates will attend seminars and workshops presented
by both local and international business experts on issues ranging from
competition and electronic investment to the latest marketing techniques and
electronic marketing.