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"Member Spotlight: Khedidja Belhadi"

Member Spotlight: Khedidja Belhadi
President of Association des Algériennes Managers et Entrepreneurs (AME)
Board Member (Algeria) for the MENA BWN

At a Glance
Name: Khedidja Belhadi
Country of residence: Algeria
Nationality: Algerian
Network Hub: Association des Algériennes Managers et Entrepreneurs (AME)
Year joined AME: Founding Member since 2005
Profession: Building company owner
Company: EDECOR

My Company
I started E.DE.CO.R., a private building company, in 1985. Since 1986, the company has experienced remarkable growth and development thanks to its cooperation with MONDO multinational company, the first worldwide sports surfaces supplier for indoor sport complexes, stadium synthetic grass and athletic tracks. We also provide surfacing for other areas, including building and hospital flooring.

One of our most important achievements has been boosting the laminated wood frame market. This technique is used in many countries as it is a reliable and aesthetically pleasing architecture.

My approach
I’ve had a strong drive to succeed, and to prove that a woman has the same capacity to perform well in Algeria, despite many obstacles. First, I have limited financial means. Second, I face the ups and downs of a free market economy, bureaucracy, lack of bank credit, lack of standards application in building construction, and corruption.

In the face of those challenges, I’ve provided the “foundation,” if you will, for many of Algeria’s top sports events, often, hours before competition begins.

Challenges for women in business
Today, women business owners and managers have to deal with serious upheavals in the financial world. Competition is fierce and opportunities are limited. For success in the MENA region, we must adapt to instantaneous communication, expansion of knowledge networks, innovation and globalisation.

Women entrepreneurs face the same difficulties as SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises). These problems are usually access to credit, contacts and training opportunities. To help them succeed, it’s important for women in business to develop networks of peers.

Some leading women entrepreneurs do not move in the business circles they should to maximize their opportunities. Many start up small businesses and they remain small.

My advice to young businesswomen is to stay credible, serious and rigorous. We must be open and democratic.

Benefits of the Network
Our MENA BWN Network Hub opens up new strategic opportunities and innovations. We collaborate and form partnerships with companies, universities, research centers and NGOs.

Experience shows that since when businesswomen are given opportunities for launching and developing their own companies, their governments will support them.

The ideal company, in our view, fosters positive corporate citizenship where both men and women are both productive in business and in their contributions to society.

The goal of AME (Association des Algériennes Managers et Entrepreneurs) is to encourage businesswomen membership in the Chamber of Commerce and Professional and Trade Associations. This will lead to new networks between governmental officials, NGOs, international experts and other women entrepreneurs. When businesswomen are connected, better national and international collaboration and cooperation will be the result.