The Businesswomen’s Forum participates in the Women’s Economic Empowerment Forum in Paris

The Businesswomen Forum – Palestine (BWF), represented by its Executive Director, Nora Regina Alawneh, participated in the Forum on Women’s Economic Empowerment in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The event was organized by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) at its headquarters in Paris, France, on November 5, 2026, and brought together representatives from governments, financial institutions, international and regional organizations, and entrepreneurship support entities.
The forum focused on enhancing women’s economic participation, developing policies that support financial inclusion, and improving access to finance, investment, and markets for women-led enterprises. It also served as a platform for sharing expertise, experiences, and successful practices among countries in the region.
Alawneh moderated an interactive discussion group during a session titled "Effective Financial Literacy Initiatives for Women Entrepreneurs," which included representatives from government bodies, financial institutions, and international organizations. Participants discussed key challenges faced by women entrepreneurs—particularly those from vulnerable groups or marginalized areas—in accessing financial literacy programs. They also examined successful practices and practical solutions for developing more inclusive programs tailored to women’s needs, while improving their access to appropriate financial services and products.
The participation also provided an opportunity to exchange knowledge, foster networking, and build relationships with international and regional institutions. Furthermore, it allowed for the exploration of future collaboration in the fields of financial inclusion and entrepreneurship, while highlighting the specific challenges Palestinian women face in accessing economic opportunities and resources. On the sidelines of the conference, the visit program in Paris included a field trip to STATION F—the world’s largest startup campus—where participants explored its comprehensive model for supporting entrepreneurship. This model encompasses incubation and acceleration programs, mentorship, and initiatives to connect startups with investors and other supporting entities.
This participation is part of the Businesswomen Forum’s ongoing efforts to enhance the international presence of Palestinian women, support their economic empowerment, and leverage French expertise in developing entrepreneurship and innovation services.