selected feature news

"MENA BWN Will Shine Around the World"

MENA BWN Will Shine Around the World
Q&A with Amel Bouchamaoui Hammami, vice president of the MENA BWN and the Tunisian Network Hub, Chambre Nationale des Femmes Chefs d’Entreprises (CNFCE)

This is the second of three interviews with the newly elected officers of the Middle East and North Africa Businesswomen’s Network (MENA BWN). Next month, President Afnan Al Zayani, Vice President Amel Bouchamaoui Hammami and Treasurer Lana Dajani will announce the incorporation of the MENA BWN as an independent non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to expanding the network of businesswomen in the region. We reached Amel at home in Tunis.

How did you get involved in the MENA BWN?

I attended the first official meeting of the MENA BWN in Abu Dhabi in 2006. As Vice President of the Tunisia Network Hub, Chambre Nationale des Femmes Chefs d’Entreprises (CNFCE), I got involved in the BWN because I was interested in networking and learning how other women in the region do business. Next year, the CNFCE will celebrate 20 years of supporting businesswomen in Tunisia. I hope to be involved when the MENA BWN marks that milestone!

What are the main challenges facing the MENA BWN during the transition to independence?

The changes that are happening are very important. We’ve had strong MEPI support in the past. Vital Voices has also played a great role in our growth. As we reach independence, we’re going to need to count on ourselves. To meet the challenge, we need to have a clear strategy to attract more members and develop partnerships with other networks.

What is your vision for the Network?

The MENA BWN will shine around the world. People will see the letters in the acronym and know what they stand for, without having to do an Internet search! Seriously, as we build our resources to promote women entrepreneurs, support women in business and develop their skills, we will be preparing them for roles they may play in other sectors, including at the NGO level and the government level. I serve on the Board of the Tunisian American Chamber of Commerce and my contribution to TACC is greatly enriched by what I have learned from my peers in the CNFCE and MENA BWN. When women’s business networks thrive, everyone wins.