Business Women of Egypt 21 Association to hold economic conference
Newspaper Title: AMEinfo
Newspaper Number:
Saturday - 7 February 2015
In preparation for Sharm el-Sheikh Economic Conference, Business Women of Egypt 21 Association is holding an economic conference from 7th to 11th February 2015 where 150 businesswomen from 16 countries will be participating.
The conference titled “Women for Success: Global Partnership for Women SMEs”, is organized by Business Women of Egypt 21 Association. It is hosted by the League of Arab States under the auspices of: Ministry of Social Solidarity; Ministry of International Cooperation; Ministry of Antiquities; Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Small and Medium Enterprises; Ministry of Investment; and Ministry of Tourism.
Dr. Youmna El Shereidi, Chairman of Business Women of Egypt 21 Association, stated that the main themes of the conference are: (1) finding opportunities during economic crisis, (2) finding untraditional methods to develop the private sector in the field of industry and medium and small enterprises, and (3) the influential force of pioneer women in policy and decision making.
She added that the participants in the conference are more than 150 women of the most important Egyptian, Arab, and foreign investors from 16 different countries around the world (Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, South Africa, Tunisia, United Kingdom, United States of America, and Sweden).
Dr Yomna also pointed out that several organizations and companies are contributing to the success of the event sponsoring the conference such as ExxonMobil, PepsiCo, Mercy Corps, International Labour Organization, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Nour Elzeny , member of Business Women of Egypt 21 Association and responsible for communication in conference explained that BWE21 will present snap shot about women in Egypt highlighting on how to empower women economically , as well as assured that the various ministries cooperated with the Association and provided the necessary support for the success of this conference. The conference supports empowering women economically and socially in the community. Activating the role and participation of women. This in turn will lead to a stronger Egyptian economy. This goes in line with the call of Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi for working and investing for the benefit of the national economy, attracting more foreign investments, and ensuring the stability and security in our homeland Egypt.
Ms. Iman El-Garhi, Board Member of Business Women of Egypt 21 Association, added that a big celebration will be held at Prince Taz Palace on Saturday, 7th February 2015, for promoting tourism. The celebration will be followed by workshops on a Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan. This trip will include visits to archaeological sites, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple in Luxor, and Philae Temple in Aswan, as well as attending sound and light shows.
She added that the conference has been organized on voluntary basis by a team of the Association Members. Ms. Dalia Kabil is in charge of logistics, due to her long experience in organizing international conferences. Ms. Lamia Aboul Fadl communicates with all government bodies. Ms. Maggie Silwanis is in charge of preparing for the archaeological visits. Ms Mary Botros logistics, Ms. Randa Fahmy designed the conference materials , Ms Manal Amin the IT logistics .
It is worth mentioning that Business women of Egypt 21 Association is an NGO established in 1999. The Association aims to raise the contribution of women in economic development through better management of production capacity of businesswomen and adopting programs of extended benefit. It also seeks to achieve ongoing development of women in various fields of work. The Association consists of Chairman and seven Board Members, who are part of vital areas in the business field and have extensive background in Business. Members share experience together to help each other and to enhance the performance and capabilities of women in business.
Maha Elwakil, Head of Media Committee in Business Women of Egypt 21 Association, stated that the key speakers of the opening session held in the League of Arab States includes: Dr. Ashraf Salman, Minister of Investment; Dr. Ghada Wali, Minister of Social Affairs; Dr. Mamdouh Eldamaty, Minister of Antiquities; Ambassador Inas Mekkawy, Director of the Woman, Family and Children Department at the League of Arab States; Ms. Reem Elsaady, Director of the European Bank; Ms. Passant Helmy, Executive Director of Global Project Partner; Mrs. Corinne Heijn, Founder & President UnitedSuccess , Bassant Helmy Head of Global Project Partners e.V and Dr. Youmna El Shereidi, Chairman of Business Women of Egypt 21 Association.
Other Speakers include Nicola Ehlermann-Cache, Head of Middle East and North Africa –OECD Investment Programme and Global Relations Secretariat will speak about Studies on Women’s Access to Business Development Services and Finance and Kholoud El Khaldy, Senior Enterprise development Specialist will talk about ILO Program and Support Women Entrepreneurs abd Ahmad El Shiekh, North and East Africa General Manager PepsiCo will talk about Private Sector Policy for Including Women in Leadership. (PepsiCo Case) and Nihad Shelbaya, Public and Government Affairs Manager – Egypt & Cyprus ExxonMobil will talk about Corporate Social Responsibilities to Help Support Women SMEs. (ExxonMobil Case) and Heba Ali, Senior Entrepreneurship Advisor will speak about Developing Entrepreneur Eco Systems. (MC Egypt Case) as well as Gielan Elmessiri, Programme Coordinator of UN Women – Egypt will talk about Women’s Empowerment Principles .
Moreover, a number of elite businesswomen and public figures will be involved in the conference. They will highlight various issues throughout the workshops of the conference which will be held in Luxor and Aswan. Nour Elzeny, Media and Marketing Communication Expert, will speak about communication through interactive activities. Meanwhile, other sessions on How to Grow Your Business moderated by Mrs. Elisabeth Werter, Head of Salonica International Consultancy will include key speakers Mrs. Reem El Saady, Head of EBRD will address Non-Financial Means to Expand Your Business. Also Mrs. Els Boerhof, Manager of Goodwell West Africa Microfinance Development Company will speak about How to Acquire Partner another sessions on How to Grow Your Business will be moderated by Mrs. Helen Jamieson, Founder of Jaluch Ltd including top speakers such as Mrs. Jane Elsner-Bonn, Partner of Jets International will focus on Negotiating for Results also Mrs. Bettina von Stamm, Head and Founder of Innovation Leadership Forum. Will talk about Thriving in a Changing World and Steven Haley, General Manager, MC Egypt will also provide her insights and Benjamin Selle, Program Manager, MC Egypt will speak about o Non Traditional Access to Finance.
Other important session will be addressing Opportunities and Challenges in Times of Crisis moderated by . Yvonne Finch, Director of UnitedSuccess , the session will include key Speakers Mrs. Jean Elsner, Head of Jets International and will also highlight key Success Stories from Aline Kamakian, Owner of Mayrig SAL. And Hanan Gewefel, Founder and CEO Consultant Breast Imaging , Riham Abu Elinin, Zoser AG / Conuskorra for planning & Engineering Solutions and Sondos Samara, Quality Manager at Environmental Laboratory for Microbiological and Chemical Analysis finally Elena Georgiadou, the founder of Novus Vita Center will provide a prescription of how to Awaken to your Feminine power
