Women entrepreneurs from conflict zones such as Afghanistan, Algeria, Iraq, Sudan, and Gaza took center stage at the 2024 World Entrepreneurship Investment Forum (WEIF) in Bahrain. These inspiring businesswomen shared their stories of resilience and determination despite facing numerous challenges in their war-torn countries.
Tahani Abu Daqqa, a Palestinian businesswoman from Gaza, spoke about her struggles in creating job opportunities for women in the region, only to see her projects destroyed by recurring conflicts. Despite facing financial difficulties and displacement, she continued to work towards empowering women and providing shelter for those in need.
Alaa Hamadto, a Sudanese entrepreneur, shared her experience of losing everything in the conflict in Sudan but remained determined to rebuild her business and empower women through solar food production. She emphasized the importance of supporting Sudanese lives and dreams amidst the ongoing crisis in the country.
Malalai Helmandi, from Afghanistan, highlighted the impact of war on women in her country and the need to empower them through economic opportunities. She and her husband have been working on projects to support women affected by conflict and crises in Afghanistan.
Basima Abdulrahman, an Iraqi entrepreneur, defied the odds during the ISIS conflict to establish a sustainable business focused on renewable energy solutions. She encouraged women entrepreneurs to persevere and grow their businesses despite challenges they may face.
The forum provided a platform for these women to share their stories and advocate for support from the international community. Dr. Hashim Hussein, Head of the UNIDO Office for Technology and Investment Promotion in Bahrain, emphasized the importance of economic development in empowering women in conflict zones and helping them sustain their families and communities.
Overall, the WEIF 2024 highlighted the resilience and determination of women entrepreneurs from conflict zones and underscored the need for continued support to enable them to thrive despite the challenges they face.