Manama: Europe and the Arabs

The sixth edition of the Global Entrepreneurship and Investment Forum kicks off today, Tuesday, in Bahrain. The two-day event will bring together global leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs to accelerate sustainable growth, foster innovation, and create new opportunities for women-led businesses worldwide.

According to the UN Daily News, women's entrepreneurship is a driving force for sustainable development, global innovation, and economic inclusion. This sustainable development cannot be achieved without women's participation, emphasized Gerd Müller, Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), during the annual conference of the Global Women Entrepreneurs Challenge Foundation in Manama, Bahrain.

At the event held on the eve of the Global Entrepreneurship and Investment Forum, Müller stated, "We must ensure equal opportunities for women everywhere and give them the chance to unleash their full potential." He highlighted the persistent obstacles women face globally in the areas of finance, technology, and access to highly skilled jobs. Success Stories from Bahrain and Nigeria

According to its website, the Women Entrepreneurs Challenge (WEC) has recognized 575 outstanding businesswomen worldwide to date. These women are honored annually at WEC conferences, nominated by partner organizations, and represent women-owned businesses from around the globe.

Today, Monday, in Bahrain, the organization honored a new group of winners from the Middle East and Africa. Among them was Sonia Mohammed Janahi, founder of Maya La Chocolatier, who highlighted UNIDO's role in supporting women's entrepreneurship.

With UNIDO's support, Janahi expanded her Bahraini chocolate brand into Africa, establishing a cocoa processing plant in Côte d'Ivoire. This has created jobs and ensured global recognition for African-made chocolate.

“UNIDO has played a vital role in my career,” Janahi told UN News. “They embraced my project and opened up vast opportunities for me.”

Also honored was Nigerian entrepreneur Olu Akeleme, who spoke about her gift and retail business. She explained that her venture employs women and supports household incomes across Nigeria, while preparing for international expansion.

“I am passionate about building scalable, globally-oriented African businesses,” she told UN News. “At least 5,000 people have benefited from our work and efforts.”

International Day of Women in Industry

UNIDO Director-General Gerd Müller highlighted success stories supported by the organization, including clean cooking technologies in Madagascar and Tanzania, and an artisanal chocolate brand from Bahrain. He announced that the UN would celebrate, for the first time, the International Day of Women in Industry on April 21. The UN official emphasized that women's empowerment is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, praising Bahrain's pioneering role in supporting entrepreneurship and women's economic participation. He reviewed UNIDO's ongoing efforts in crisis-affected countries, noting that UNIDO has begun working on recovery programs in Syria, Sudan, and Palestine, "where women are disproportionately affected and need our support."

In closing, the UNIDO Director stressed that women entrepreneurs need equality and equal opportunities, not special treatment, adding: "Women entrepreneurs don't need special treatment. They need fair systems, equal opportunities, and the ability to compete on a level playing field."

Women as Drivers of Business
In her opening remarks, Ms. Ibukun Oseka, President of the Global Women Entrepreneurs Challenge Foundation, highlighted the pivotal role of women as drivers of business, leadership, and national progress. She affirmed that women constitute half of the world's productive assets and that, when empowered, they become leaders in corporate and political leadership. Drawing on her personal experience, Oseka recalled building an industrial group over 36 years before becoming, she said, the first and, to date, only woman to chair the board of directors of the oldest financial institution in sub-Saharan Africa: First Bank of Nigeria.

She continued, “Women represent 50% of the world’s assets—productive and constructive assets that, when fully utilized, can be transformative. Any nation that has the wisdom to invest in and activate the latent talent of 50% of its population is a nation destined for success.”

About the Global Women Entrepreneurs Challenge
According to its website, the Global Women Entrepreneurs Challenge connects, supports, and develops a global network of outstanding women entrepreneurs through strategic partnerships with international chambers of commerce and women’s business organizations.

With more than 48 partner organizations and over 575 winners worldwide, the organization empowers women to scale their businesses internationally and support inclusive economic growth.