In the framework of the EUROMED Invest Project, BUSINESSMED and EUROCHAMBRES, in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Foundation and the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), organized an Academy under the theme: « Fostering Women leaders – Women in BSO’s » on March 6th and 7th 2017 in Marrakech Savoy Le Grand Hôtel.

EUROMED Invest Academy is a training and exchange of best practices workshop for BSOs aiming at maximizing the exchange and improving the quality of services provided to SMEs in the Mediterranean region. It is an excellent opportunity for BSOs to improve their overall capacity as well as the services provided to members.

During one day and a half, this training gathered more than 85 representatives of BSOs from the Meda region, entrepreneurs, and several stakeholders from the private sector in order to discuss the role of women in the economic and social development of their own countries. This academy will also be the opportunity to share best practices in various BSOs about women entrepreneurs and services provided by BSOs.

During the opening session, Mrs. Jihen Boutiba Mrad, General Secretary of BUSINESSMED highlighted that Women’s lack of representation in positions of leadership is broadly acknowledged throughout the business world and the Euro-Mediterranean Region, reaffirming that their involvement in top management positions would have a positive impact on workplace policies.

The Academy was also enriched by several contributions of eminent representatives of International Organization.

Sophia Economacos, who represented Eurochambers, as well as the Greek National Chamber Network, focused her presentation on the organization of clusters and cooperatives, projects they are now attempting to organize in Greece to fight unemployment.

At the same time, Ana Benito representing the Chambers of Commerce of Valencia Region presented the info centers they have organized within the Spanish Chambers and Business Support Program for Women (PAEM).

Furthermore, the experts invited by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Foundation discussed the current situation of women entrepreneurs in innovative startups as well as remaining obstacles and proposed concrete recommendations on how to overcome those obstacles to foster the role of women entrepreneurs in innovative startups.

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the International Women’s Day, provided an opportunity to take stock of the progress made in achieving gender equality and empowering women in development programs at the regional and national level.

The Academy represented for BUSINESSMED a real opportunity to exchange cultural knowledge and abilities, to bring women together, and shrink geographical distances, adding a new dimension to previously accepted economic, professional and entrepreneurial practices in the field of women leadership.