Member Profile
New Horizons for MENA BWN
Q & A with Afnan Al Zayani, MENA BWN president and Bahrain Businesswomen Society Hub executive
The Middle East and North Africa Businesswomen’s Network (MENA BWN) is fast approaching a remarkable milestone. Two months from now, President Afnan Al Zayani, with officers Amel Bouchamaoui and Lana Dajani, will stand together with all members of the Board of Directors and announce what once seemed a distant notion: The MENA BWN will be incorporated as an independent non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to expanding the network of businesswomen in the region. We caught up with Afnan just before Ramadan, the Muslim holy month.
Q: It’s been three years since the BWN officially began in 2006, in Abu Dhabi. What changes do you see happening over the next three years?
Afnan:
We really have to build the Network and take it to next level — we need to continue to progress. When we support businesswomen in the region we support the whole of society. We are so grateful to have had the support from the U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative to get us started. Now we have to be on our own.
Q: What challenges do you foresee during this transition period and as the Network grows?
Afnan:
To expand regionally, we need more people involved, we need to develop strategic partnerships and diversify our funding streams. Operationally, the assistance we’ve had from Vital Voices has been so important and we should continue that partnership. Any organization just starting out will have its growing pains, but we will work together to find solutions for success.
Q: For businesswomen and professionals who haven’t yet heard about the MENA BWN, could you talk about some of the benefits of joining a Network Hub?
Afnan:
Seeing is believing! Each Network Hub holds a number of activities throughout the year and we encourage everyone to participate. We hold workshops on capacity building, skills-building seminars, as well as networking and advocacy sessions. There is also a web portal, www.menabwn.org, where members can register and gain access to valuable resources. Our work has produced real results — with Vital Voices support, the BWN has helped over 14,000 businesswomen and men start new businesses, forge partnerships and create jobs for women.
Q: How can a strong and vibrant BWN impact society?
Afnan:
This isn’t just about making more money. We are all businesswomen. But we are women first. By helping businesswomen we are helping all women in our society. As a network, we should take the lead and get involved in women’s issues at all levels. If we work to protect our well-being and our security, we will be more creative, productive and successful, both personally and professionally.
