The inclusion of women in the economic process can be a fundamental catalyst for dynamic social and economic development. Women's contributions to the local, national and global economy is substantial and rising, while, at the micro level, they help improve competitiveness. Still too many women remain excluded from the economic mainstream, to the detriment of their societies, their families and their own individual lives. In this Context, the Forum established this strategy group to advocate women's active involvement in economic, social and political development.

Objectives
-  Build strategic alliances, coalitions and affiliating through networking towards more women's empowerment.

-  Adopt fresh approaches to engender a culture of women's role in business.

-  Establish partnerships with regional and international network organizations to strengthen the economic capacity of Women Strategy Group members.

Strategy Group Work Plan
-  Convene an annual conference to highlight the role of Arab women in fostering development.

-  Organize skills training programs, management workshops and seminars on different topics of interest.

-  Give due attention to the inter-religious dialogues as regards women's status.

- Enhance more gender sensitive policies in government plans.

-  Raise awareness about corporate social responsibility.

- Secure the required community and media exposure to maintain momentum.

 Governance
The Group has a chairman and a vice-chairman.

The Group will hold a minimum of one meeting per month, and is reporting to the Forum's Executive Board. The Group may hold more than one meeting when necessary.

Contacts
Chairman: Shahira Zeid, MZ Investment
Co-Chairman:
E-mail: womensg@eieforum.org