The recent event organized by the Women in Business Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce in Jeddah was a significant celebration of the remarkable achievements of female entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia. The event provided a platform for successful businesswomen to share their stories and insights, inspiring others and highlighting the essential ingredients that empower women to thrive in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Maha Al-Juffali, founder of the Help Center, shared her journey as an entrepreneur and the establishment of her NGO supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities in Saudi Arabia. She emphasized the need for resourcefulness, innovation, and hands-on engagement to overcome challenges and achieve progress in reshaping societal perceptions and providing essential support to individuals with disabilities. Al-Juffali pointed out the importance of fostering a supportive ecosystem that provides access to mentorship, networks, and tailored financial instruments for women entrepreneurs.
The event featured a panel discussion on women’s empowerment and economic inclusion, moderated by Nora Al-Jindi, director of Dar Al-Hekma University’s marketing program. The panelists, including Marriam Mossalli, founder of Niche Arabia, and Dania Shinkar, founder and creative director of Dania Shinkar Ltd, provided valuable insights on scaling strategies, networking, and the psychological shift required to delegate responsibilities in scaling a business.
Marriam Mossalli highlighted the importance of networking and relationships in the Saudi entrepreneurial landscape and commended the government’s efforts in breaking down taboos around working women. She also emphasized the need for aspiring entrepreneurs to immerse themselves in the industry they aim to enter and gain a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the business before embarking on their entrepreneurial journey.
Dania Shinkar expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunities and support provided for female entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia through initiatives, programs, and incubators, which have been invaluable in offering mentorship, funding, and access to trade shows and fashion exhibitions. She highlighted the fantastic networking opportunities and the recent reforms under Vision 2030 that have facilitated the growth of female entrepreneurship in the country.
Zeina Alnouri, the AmCham Saudi Arabia Jeddah chapter coordinator, emphasized the importance of women supporting each other in business to pave the way for current and future success. She expressed pride in bringing together influential females from various fields and looked forward to hosting similar events in the future.
Overall, the event served as an inspiring platform to showcase the exceptional talent, innovation, and resilience of female entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia. It offered valuable insights into the successes and challenges faced by women in business and provided an opportunity for networking and knowledge-sharing activities.
In conclusion, the event organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Jeddah was a testament to the growing influence and impact of female entrepreneurs in shaping the business landscape of Saudi Arabia. It highlighted the need for a supportive ecosystem, access to mentorship and financial resources, and the importance of women supporting each other to pave the way for future success in the entrepreneurial landscape.