Strengthening women’s economic empowerment is a prerequisite for sustainable economic development. Yet, in the field of entrepreneurship, women face obstacles at almost all levels.

As a woman entrepreneur, honoured to be President of the ASCAME Women Entrepreneurs Working Committee, I approve supporting the economic empowerment of women in the Mediterranean region and even in the world.

All countries have an interest in empowering women to reach their full economic potential, which has a direct impact on growth, competitiveness and social well-being. However, this remains a major challenge in the Mediterranean. And to ensure sustainable development, all stakeholders must be on board to achieve these objectives.

On its side, ASCAME, in collaboration with its various members and structures, is making numerous efforts to encourage female entrepreneurship in the Mediterranean, such as the Mediterranean Women Entrepreneurs Forum, organised by ASCAME and AFAEMME.

This large meeting of women entrepreneurs in the region aims to accelerate the growth of women-owned businesses and gives them access to a strategic platform for networking and sharing ideas on the various constraints that hinder female entrepreneurship.

These initiatives should be extended to all countries in the world, particularly emerging countries such as African countries, and Tunisia is an example.

Yet, these women are the first lever of development, the majority of those operating in developing and transition economies are very small or microenterprises with limited growth potential.

In Tunisia, women’s participation is therefore encouraged at all levels where projects and initiatives have been carried out within the framework of a public-private partnership.  Tunisia focuses on the economic empowerment of rural women,

Investing in women is one of the most effective ways to increase equality and promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth. This anchoring of women’s economic empowerment is a culture in the Mediterranean.

In conclusion, I believe that by building consensus, acting as a link between key stakeholders and providing professional-level technical assistance, it represents an awareness of women’s action to achieve progress and priorities for women’s economic empowerment, including helping women face their multiple roles and involving men, families and communities in female entrepreneurship.

10/28/2019