Women’s networks in MENA

There is a large number of women’s networks in the region, ranging in size and influence.
Grassroots networks exist alongside high-level political and policy networks.
Most are focused on women-only activities.
The key areas of activity are: improving women’s entrepreneurship and developing women as business owners and business leaders; peacebuilding; reducing violence against women. There is a reasonable amount of work on women’s political participation, but not to the extent of the other areas.
Mentoring and face-to-face networking are the most commonly used strategies. Most networks state the value of communicating with other women in similar positions. Therefore, conferences and events are the most common activities.