RAMALLAH, May 5, 2009 (WAFA)- Palestinian Authority Minister of Women's Social Affairs Kholud Daibis opened, today, a joint U.S.-Palestinian event organized by the Business Women Forum- Palestine with support from the U.S. government's Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI).

Daibis applauded the leadership of businesswomen and thanked the U.S. government for its support to these important figures in the Palestinian economy. 

U.S. Consul General Jake Walles, underscored U.S. efforts to build the foundations of a prosperous Palestinian state and stressed that, 'there is no more important partner in this work than the Palestinian private sector.'  He also emphasized the vital role that Palestinian women play in the economic, social and political aspects of their communities. 

Dr. Samir Hazbun of the Palestinian Private Sector Coordinating Council also spoke at the opening, explaining the Council's important role in providing support to the private sector.

The day of workshops aimed at highlighting the role of advocacy and how it can encourage public policy changes that allow women entrepreneurs a more active role in developing the Palestinian economy.  Three top women executives from the United States participated in the workshops as part of a 'Corporate Ambassadors Program.'

The Program was launched last year by the Business Women Forum- Palestine (BWF-Palestine) in collaboration with MEPI, Vital Voices Global Partnership, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Businesswomen's Network. 

One of the American executives, Patty DeDominic is the former President of the American National Association Women's Business Owners whose mission statement says it was organized, 'with the goal of securing equal rights and opportunities for women bold and visionary enough to pursue an entrepreneurial dream in the global marketplace.' 

Commenting after the workshops, Ms. DeDominic confirmed, 'The women I met today are certainly bold and visionary.  I am glad that I could pass on my experiences with advocacy to support them in their goals for a future Palestine.'

Manal Zraiq, Chairwoman of the BWF also had words of praise for the participants stating, 'There is a lot of talent in the room.  BWF wants to play an active role in nurturing this talent by providing a forum for peer learning, information exchange, business development, and access to education, resources and tools.'

BWF-Palestine is a founding member of the larger, regional MENA Businesswomen's Network. BWF was started in 2006 by seven Palestinian entrepreneurs who participated in a MEPI sponsored business program and has grown into a highly respected institution and resource for Palestinian businesswomen. The organization currently runs four major programs in collaboration with international organizations and the U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem. Zraiq had a few parting words for participants, 'As I said last year, our goal remains equality and equal opportunity for women in both business and politics.  Advocacy is an important tool because it brings about the change that makes the rules fair for everyone.'