Bahrain's WEIF Forum Champions Women Entrepreneurs as Economic Catalysts
Global leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs gathered in Bahrain for the World Entrepreneurs and Investment Forum (WEIF). The event focused on boosting women's roles in shaping a stronger, more inclusive economy. A key outcome was the Manama Declaration, which positions women at the centre of economic transformation.
The forum followed the annual conference of the International Women Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC) and brought together delegates from multiple countries. Discussions and exhibitions highlighted the importance of women-led innovation and entrepreneurship for sustainable growth. The Manama Declaration stressed that empowering women in business and innovation is vital for achieving fair and lasting economic progress. It urged stronger representation of women in emerging sectors, such as the green, blue, and orange economies.
UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller spoke at the event, calling women's entrepreneurship a major driver of sustainable development and global innovation. His remarks reinforced the declaration's focus on economic inclusion through women-led enterprises.
Academic and business leaders also shared insights on supporting women entrepreneurs. Dr. Nihal Al-Najjar, a professor at Bahrain's Royal University for Women, emphasised the need to integrate entrepreneurship into education systems. Meanwhile, Ayanthi Gurusinghe, President of the Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka, exchanged experiences with South Asian delegates on improving access to finance for women in business.
The forum included exhibitions showcasing women's achievements in entrepreneurship. One display, titled 'Determined Creative Entrepreneurs,' featured Nisreen Samour of Bahrain's Micro Art Center. Business networking also took place, with Doris Martin, CEO of DMartin Consultancy in Bahrain, forming partnerships with firms in the UAE and Morocco through B2B meetings. The forum concluded with a clear message: women's entrepreneurship must be a priority for building a resilient global economy. The Manama Declaration and new cross-border partnerships aim to create more opportunities for women-led businesses. These steps are expected to strengthen economic growth while promoting fairness and sustainability.
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