The activities of the Second International Economic Forum to support and empower women were held in Tripoli today, Thursday, with the participation of the Minister of Economy and Trade, Muhammad Al-Hawaij, accompanied by the Minister of Social Affairs, Wafaa Al-Kilani, and organized by the Libyan Organization for Libyan Businesswomen.
During his speech, the Minister emphasized “the role of businesswomen in encouraging the investment sector and supporting those with entrepreneurial ideas and small and medium enterprises, noting that modern economic development methods depend on developing human capabilities and investing in national competencies to keep pace with scientific developments in various fields.”
The forum was attended by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Trade for Commercial Affairs and Public Affairs, the Undersecretary for Free Zone Affairs, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice, a member of the Supreme Council of State, the Advisor to the Judicial Inspection Department at the General Authority of the Judiciary, the Director of the Economic Studies and Reforms Department, and the Director of the Private Sector Development Department. and investment, the Office of Women Support and Empowerment, the Office of Economic Modeling and Institutional Excellence in the Ministry, the Chairman of the Libyan Business Owners Council, the Director of the Women’s Division in the Office of the Military Prosecutor, a delegation from the Businesswomen’s Council of the Republic of Tunisia, a number of ambassadors and Diplomatic missions, the United Nations official in charge of the women’s file in Libya, and a group of businesswomen and small business owners.
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What role do women’s organizations play in supporting female entrepreneurs in Libya?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Economic Expert
Editor: Good afternoon, everyone! Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Sarah Al-Mansoori, an expert in economic development and gender studies. Dr. Al-Mansoori, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Al-Mansoori: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Just today, the Second International Economic Forum aimed at supporting and empowering women was held in Tripoli. The Minister of Economy and Trade, Muhammad Al-Hawaij, emphasized the crucial role of businesswomen in promoting investment and entrepreneurship. What are your thoughts on this focus?
Dr. Al-Mansoori: Absolutely, this focus is crucial. Empowering women in the business sector can lead to significant economic growth. Studies have shown that diverse teams, especially those including women, tend to perform better and drive innovation. By supporting businesswomen and fostering entrepreneurial ideas, we can stimulate the economy and create a more inclusive environment.
Editor: The minister also mentioned that modern economic development relies on developing human capabilities. How does this concept relate to supporting women in business?
Dr. Al-Mansoori: Developing human capabilities means investing in education, skills training, and mentorship. For women, this is particularly important. By providing resources and support networks tailored to women entrepreneurs, we enable them to overcome barriers they might face in the business world. This not only benefits the individual but the economy as a whole.
Editor: The forum was organized by the Libyan Organization for Libyan Businesswomen. Why is this kind of organization vital for women in Libya?
Dr. Al-Mansoori: Organizations like this play a pivotal role in creating a support system for women. They provide networking opportunities, share resources, and foster a community that empowers women to take risks in their entrepreneurial journey. In Libya, where traditional gender roles can limit women’s participation in the economy, such organizations are essential for challenging norms and promoting women’s rights.
Editor: Speaking of challenges, what obstacles do businesswomen in Libya currently face, and how can forums like this one help mitigate them?
Dr. Al-Mansoori: Businesswomen in Libya encounter several obstacles, including limited access to capital, cultural biases, and regulatory challenges. Forums like this provide a platform for dialogue about these issues, allowing women to voice their challenges and share solutions. They also facilitate connections with potential investors, mentors, and other businesswomen, creating a robust network that can help navigate these challenges.
Editor: what key takeaway do you hope emerges from events like the Second International Economic Forum?
Dr. Al-Mansoori: I hope we see a renewed commitment from both the government and private sectors to invest in women’s empowerment. The economic benefits of including women in the workforce are substantial, but it requires a concerted effort to foster policies and initiatives that support them. Ultimately, empowering women is not just a moral obligation; it is a strategic economic imperative.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Al-Mansoori, for sharing your insights today. It’s evident that empowering women in the economic realm is not just good for society, but good for our economy as well.
Dr. Al-Mansoori: Thank you for having me! Let’s continue to advocate for women’s empowerment in all sectors.
Editor: Absolutely! We’ll be watching closely as developments unfold. Thank you, everyone, for tuning in.