“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”– Alice Walker
Females are generally considered the weaker gender in many MENA countries. Often people would argue that females have obligations in life that will hinder their career success, and make it harder for them to become what they aspire. Recently, we are witnessing many success stories of women; young and older, abroad and regional. And with each story, our perception of ‘the weaker’ gender shifts down the spectrum towards ‘stronger’.
Many of these success stories fall in the entrepreneurship field. By entrepreneurs, we are referring to both traditional small and medium businesses (SMEs), and the relatively new model of startups.
It is no surprise that the entrepreneurship field is carving a more positive experience when it comes to female contributions. According to the Global Women Entrepreneur Leaders Scoreboard, there is a huge difference in opportunity for females between the corporation world and the entrepreneurship.
In the U.S., a mere 4.6% is the percentage of female CEOs, and a little less than 20% for the board membership seats. Compare that to the number of businesses started by female entrepreneurs, a 3 out of every 5, that is a big 60%! It does not take a scientist to conclude that it is actually more likely for a female to succeed in being on top of her own business, than to lead another; big or small.
As for MENA, you can find many statistics that will show lower percentages of female contributions in the workforce compared to the more developed countries. Yet, in this ATKearny study about the GCC, it is shown that these numbers are on the rise. The study also argues positive signs of support and initiatives for female entrepreneurship, that are having major effect in the ecosystem.
Technology has helped a great deal as well. The convenience of starting your own business at home online, is engaging more females in the business world. Especially ones whom have restrictions on getting out of their homes on a daily basis.
Moreover, surprisingly high percentages are being recorded for female contributions in some MENA countries. In this piece, it is stated that the percentage of female contributors in tech startup events in Jordan have reached a 35%, whereas the global average is only 10%!
With all this information, I decided to examine and get feedback on the circumstances and challenges female entrepreneurs face in MENA. And for that I sought the help of four ladies who have successfully established their own businesses in the region. Maybe you, as a reader will relate and/or find yourself in the bits of their stories. We will publishing them in three different pieces.
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The first is Mrs. Khadija Al Oraibi, a mother and a wife; who owns an educational center for small children in Bahrain.
‘It feels like a dream” Mrs. Al Oraibi says, “I didn’t think I can accomplish this much in this little time”. Her center, Skills was opened about a year ago. It provides a fun and interactive learning environment for kids.
“I have always felt there is a gap in the educational system for very young kids in schools. Throughout my studies and work, I have thought of ways to make learning more engaging for younger ages, but I did not know where to begin.”
Mrs. Al Oraibi further explains that she started as a freelance trainer, moving from an exhibition to a school, to another. Then decided that she needed her own place to be able to achieve what she aspires.
“One of the major reasons I was able to start my business was the support I got from my husband and family,” she proudly added.
When asking her about challenges she faced, she said “I did not feel that there is anything I could not do as a female really! Here in Bahrain any businesswoman can finish her business paperwork and talk to officials easily.”
Mrs. Al Oraibi’s experience was a positive one. Hopefully, she will continue succeeding in the future. To hear more from similar female entrepreneurs, please stay tuned for the second part of this article on Startup MGZN.
To learn more about Mrs. Al Oraibi’s center, visit their Instagram page here.