On June 30, the round table “COVID-19 in the MENA region: What Gender Policy Responses Do We Need?” brought experts together to explore the inclusive gender responses needed for a better future for women and communities in the region.

 The discussion was organised by Womenpreneur Initiative, a member of our network, together with Sanad Entrepreneurship Academy.

Participants offered all kinds of insights regarding gender policy responses that can be adopted by decision-makers in the MENA region to inform evidence-based policies with the goal of promoting gender-inclusive economic, public, and social policies that empower women in both the public and private spheres.

Dr. Meritxell Joan Rodríguez, Manager of the EuroMed Women’s Foundation’s Secretariat, talked about how civil society organizations have taken action for gender equality and civil rights issues during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr. Ashraf Mahate, Chief Economist at Dubai Industries and Exports, talked about the importance of creating opportunities that allow women to enter into the global marketplace.

Dr. Shima Barakat, Entrepreneur and Director of the Entrepreneurship for Sustainability Programme at Cambridge University, talked about the role of academic institutions in addressing gender inequalities in the workspace and for economic participation.

Dr. Gaëlle Ferrant from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development talked about how the OECD works to boost women’s economic empowerment in the MENA region.

The round table was moderated by Chiraz Bensemmane, Founder of Pitch World Fast.

To watch the full video, sign up here: https://www.womenpreneur-digital.com/