KUWAIT, April 20 (KUNA) -- Chairperson of the Arab Businesswomen Council Sheikha Hussa Saad Al-Sabah hailed here Sunday Kuwait's relentless support for Gulf and Arab businesswomen.
She was speaking at a news conference held on the occasion of the Economic Forum for Businesswomen in Islamic Countries on the sidelines of the 4th World Islamic Economic Forum due to be held in Kuwait on April 28.
Women play a great role in economic development in their countries, but they still have a long way to cover amid lack of resources and economic opportunities, she said.
Asked by Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) about Arab businesswomen's requirements from their governments, she listed such requirements as necessarily supporting small and medium-sized projects by Arab and Gulf women, waiving loan interest and alleviating customs restrictions.
Muslim businesswomen are now holding high-level posts at integrated giants, Sheikha Hussa said.
The conference will attract over 120 Arab businesswomen, who are brilliant in projects and banks, she noted.
With economic growth, especially in Gulf countries, women's involvement in the private sector has increased, she said, citing a recent UN study as showing that the employment gap between men and women in the Middle East region is still deep.
She also cited another study as indicating that women account for 30 percent of labor forces in the Middle East.
To accurately visualize women's required role in societal development, light should be shed on the actual conditions of Muslim nations, notably; Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) members.
The 4th World Islamic Economic Forum is due to be held on April 29-May 1st under the auspices of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
The Economic Forum for Businesswomen in Islamic Countries is expected to be held on the sidelines of the 4th world event on April 28.
By Hanan al-Qaisy
Copyright Kuwait News Agency 2008.
