RAMALLAH (BNEWS)- The Business Women Forum-Palestine (BWF), in association with the Jordan Institute of Directors (JIoD) and the support of Tasdeer Programme, officially launched the first training session of the "Women Champions on Board" programme today.
The program, delivered by the JIoD, is based on an International Finance Corporation (IFC) training model, that aims to enhance the participants’ capacities, preparing them to become effective board members and integral parts of decision-making processes within their respective organizations. This effort forms a central part of BWF’s and Tasdeer’s strategy to offer unique development opportunities to Palestinian businesswomen, with a focus on promoting diversity in leadership roles within the corporate sector.
Out of the original 86 applicants, fifteen selected participants will undergo intensive training across three main pillars: the Board Member Programme, the Get Ready Programme, and the Diversified Leadership Programme. These sessions will be delivered by regional and international experts in corporate governance from the JIoD.
In the inaugural session, BWF Chairwoman, Shuaa Marar, expressed gratitude to BWF’s team, the Jordan Institute of Directors team, and the Tasdeer team for their efforts in putting together this distinctive programme. She also indicated that this training program intersect with BWF strategic objectives, to enhance the role of women in decision-making positions and boards of directors, and pointed out the importance of such programs in preparing women and enhancing their capabilities for effective participation and taking a role in decision-making.
In his welcoming note, Tasdeer's Team Leader, Nassim Nour, asserted the need for ‘good governance’ as an essential factor in the success of any company, and the need for women to participate in the governance of the private sector. “women's participation in economic decision-making and company boards has become a need and a ‘missed opportunity’ for companies in the Palestine. This is why Tasdeer is focusing on addressing some of the key impediments to the participation of women in business and in decision making boards” said Nour.
On behalf of the British Consulate General, Michael Sansour, Private Sector Development Advisor, lauded the initiative. "This is a first-of-its-kind initiative targeting Palestinian women. It's crucial that we familiarise the private sector with these new cadres after they complete their training," he noted.
Nadia Shahin, Chairwoman of the Jordan Institute of Directors, welcomed the participants and shared part of her experience as a businesswoman, holding several executive positions in various companies and company boards, who has undergone a similar programme.
On behalf of Tasdeer Steering Committee and the Ministry of National Economy (MoNE), Liana Al-Attrash, General Manager of Company Registration at the MoNE, reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to supporting women's participation in decision-making. “This commitment is reflected in the new Companies’ Registration Law, which guarantees women's representation on boards of directors”, said Al-Attrash .
Tasdeer programme, is a 4.5-year, private sector development programme, funded by the British Consulate General in Jerusalem and implemented by a consortium led by Cowater International. Tasdeer works with the Palestinian Ministry of National Economy, the Ministry of Finance, Palestinian private sector institutions and the private sector to expedite the movement of goods across borders and reduce transaction costs, improve the trade-enabling environment, strengthen the private sector’s export competitiveness, and improve customs capacity.
