Iraqi Businesswomen Council

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WHO we are

The Iraq Businesswomen Council was established on 10/17/2021, according to Resolution No. 28 of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce Council. The council was established to emphasize the importance of the role of women as strategic partners in developing and building solid economy, and to strengthen their role as leaders in the private sector. The Council supports businesswomen throughout the different stages of their projects, and encourages women's participation in the economic sector to promote a culture of entrepreneurship and women's projects. The Council adopts a plan aiming at providing consultancy and assistance to rais women’s capabilities, develope their skills, enhance their participation and enable them to play their active role in society, and to invest the capability of women with medium, small and micro projects in various fields by participating in business incubators on the way to owning their own project, as well as supporting them by establishing partnerships with government institutions, local and international organizations, by providing them with the opportunity to promote their projects in various economic and professional platforms at the local and global levels.

IBWC Objectives

  • Emphasize the importance of women as strategic partners in developing the economy.
  • Strengthen women’s leadership in the private sector.
  • Support businesswomen at all project stages.
  • Promote a culture of entrepreneurship and women’s projects.
  • Develop women’s capabilities and skills.
  • Enable women’s active role in society.
  • Support women with medium, small, and micro projects.
  • Establish partnerships with government institutions and organizations.
  • Promote women’s projects on economic and professional platforms.

Chairperson Message​

I am honored to serve as the Chairwoman of the Iraq Businesswomen Council (IBWC) and extend a warm welcome to all who share our vision of empowering women.
Iraqi women throughout the ages have been distinguished for their participation and competence alongside men to create the heart of civilization. They are known for their intelligence, patience, resilience, and hard work. Due to the wars and instability that Iraq suffered for over forty years, the role of women has declined significantly in taking active roles in the economic revolution which affected most of neighboring countries.
Work is an expression of existence. Production and profit give women social value and raise their status among people, making them feel they have roles, missions and goals in life. Iraqi woman is very adaptive and possess many skills that can be transformed into productive work which will provide added value to her, her family and society, and this is the reason we established the council.
The council is a young entity, but it is managed by a group of experienced women in the field of free-lance work. We will make the council fulfill its role to work closely with women throughout various stages of their projects, and provide consultations and lead their steps in business. We are establishing business incubators which will sponsor, support and back-up woman’s work from home and give her the tools she needs to develop her business, on the way to create a business of her own. We are committed to empower Iraqi women to achieve their goals and claim their status alongside men in creating balanced and healthy social environment to build solid economy and society. We will focus our efforts to help businesswomen to harness their skills and create a healthy work environment while dealing with state institutions and local and international organizations to benefit from legislations, loans and grants to enhance their role in the growth and success of their emerging projects.
Dr. Shatha Al Zuhairy
Chairwoma, Iraq Businesswomen Council

Establishing IBWC

In order to empower women entrepreneurs and enhance their active participation in the country’s economic sector, the International Women’s Business Council was established on October 17, 2021, under the decision number 28 of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce.
The International Women’s Business Council emphasizes the importance of women as strategic partners in the development of a strong and resilient economy. It strives to promote women’s leadership in the private sector by providing support, resources, and opportunities for women to excel in their roles as business leaders.
The International Women’s Business Council emphasizes the importance of women as strategic partners in the development of a strong and resilient economy. It strives to promote women’s leadership in the private sector by providing support, resources, and opportunities for women to excel in their roles as business leaders.
The Council supports women in various stages of their projects and provides consultancy services and assistance to ensure their success. It also encourages an entrepreneurial culture and initiatives led by women, with the aim of fostering a vibrant business environment in Iraq.
Through various programs and initiatives, the Council focuses on developing the capabilities and skills of women entrepreneurs, enabling them to play an active role in society. It supports women in medium, small, and micro-enterprises across diverse fields, providing them access to business incubators, growth opportunities, and expansion possibilities.
In general, the Iraqi Women’s Business Council plays a pivotal role in empowering women, promoting gender equality, and contributing to the development and prosperity of the Iraqi economy.
Ovrerview
The Iraq Businesswomen Council (IBWC) is an organization established with the aim of empowering women entrepreneurs and promoting their active participation in our country’s economy.
The council was founded under the umbrella of the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce with the gracious patronage of the President of the Federation, Mr. Abdul Razzaq Al-Zuhairi ,
IBWC is formed In response to the needs of the private sector in Iraq for an entity to represent working women, and to engage with governmental and international economic, financial and planning bodies. Furthermore, to support this important segment of women to develop emerging and small businesses for them. This contributes to supporting the economic and social development of the country, by providing healthy and cultural environment, and giving women the opportunity to develop their skills and gain experience in their fields of work.
What distinguishes the IBWC from other women’s associations is that it embraces all segments of women of all ages and all fields of work, whether they own commercial or industrial projects or to have professions, in every field of expertise.

Vision

Empowering women entrepreneurs to drive economic growth and innovation in Iraq. Creating a business ecosystem that promotes gender equality and inclusive opportunities. Establishing Iraq as a leader in fostering women's entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.

Values

Promoting equal opportunities and fair treatment for women entrepreneurs. Fostering partnerships and networks to maximize support and resources for women-led businesses. Striving for excellence in all our endeavors to uplift women's entrepreneurial capabilities and achievements.

Mission

To provide comprehensive support and resources to women entrepreneurs at all stages of their business ventures. To advocate for policies and initiatives that promote women's economic participation and leadership in Iraq. To foster a supportive and inclusive environment that nurtures the growth and success of women-led businesses, ultimately contributing to the overall development of the economy.

Areas of Work

Helping obtain financing

Provide professional vocational consultancy

Training and rehabilitation workshops

Incubation of creative innovation

Support Entrepreneurship and innovation

Encouraging creativity and innovation

Facilitating procedures for obtaining licenses

Organizing economic conferences and forums

Arranging domestic and outbound delegations

Dissemination of entrepreneurship awareness amongst female students & graduates

Vocational supervision & counseling during execution of project

Targeted Segments

  • Businesswomen registered in the Iraqi Chambers of Commerce
  • Businesswomen within business incubators
  • Women wishing to enter into free-lance business
  • Female Students of commercial schools and universities
  • Female graduates looking for work
  • Women wishing to improve their economic status.

Founding Members

The IBWC is operating under the umbrella of the Federation of Iraqi Chamber Through its office based at the Federation headquarters. It is run by an executive board appointed according to Decision No ( 28) issued by FICC dated 17/10/2023 Concerning the Formation of the IBWC .The Executive commission of the council is represented by:​

Ms. Parween Babiker

Co-Founder

Ms. Parween Babiker

Ms. Parween Babiker Hama Agha is an empowered female leader and is considered as an icon and an example to follow in her field of work. She is decision maker by the vast experience she has, which enable her to inspire and push forwards other to the extents of their potentials.

She spent her childhood during times of violence in the country, this made her aware of the difficulty of the situation of women in such conditions. Her role was apparent in the stability of the region and she worked diligently and efficiently to achieve her goals and aspirations and to make use of to the business environment in supporting women in the labor market.

She was the quality manager in two of the largest cement factories in the region, then she became the Minister of Industry, then she left government work to begin in the private sector and became CEO at Wza Petroleum.

She holds a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Languages as well as a certificate from CWC College of Energy, and a Certificate in Legal translation from the American University.

She won a number of awards from Arab and international organizations concerned with women's affairs and economy. She represents Iraq in many  international conferences concerned with energy.

Now, she leads an organization concerned with women's affairs, and puts all her capabilities, connections and experience to push forwards women to contribute more to the free economy.

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Mrs. Shatha Al-Zuhairi

Chairwoman of IBWC

Dr. Shatha Al-Zuhairi

A highly renowned Women’s Rights activist and successful businesswoman, Dr.Shatha Al Zuhairy has dedicated her life and vast experience to helping empower women, and promoting women’s rights as well as focusing her efforts to aid young female entrepreneur develop  their skills in managing business and emphasizing their role in Iraqi business environment  . 

Dr.Shatha Al Zuhairy is a role-model for the women in Iraq, placing her financial and intellectual resources for the purpose of providing  training to Iraqi women and help them acquire new skills.

Dr. Shatha Alzuhairy is a specialized motivator and speaker and a pioneer in self-development.

Founder and CEO of Al Yaqut a women-owned company, companies owned and managed by women, and have created many successful NGOs, and lead as role models in fields which many consider still as being gender selective.

Established the Iraq Business Women Council to be a starting point for every emerging business woman who wants to expand her field of work. She helped housewives to harness and transform them into income. Her plan included female students and put their steps on the path to towards more solid economy and a more and harmonious society.

Specializes in financial and administrative sciences and training. She has a BA from the University of Baghdad in 1983, a diploma in preparing leaders from the Blair Singer Academy, and an honorary doctorate from the University of Cambridge in Britain

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Dr. Ghada Al Baldawi

Co-Founder

Dr. Ghada

Dr. Ghada is one of the very distinguished women in the art of management, whether in the field of health, strategic planning, and public relations.

She combined a bachelor's degree in pharmacy and a master’s in business administration, in addition she is a certified financial advisor in the United States and a certified trainer in business etiquette.

She has long experience in government work in the health sector, pharmacy, public administration, capacity development, and diplomatic mission, and enriched her experience by working with international companies and organizations. in addition to that, she has a successful experience in the private sector working in the fields of trade, business administration, planning, and public relations.

She recently partnered in establishing a factory to produce medicines and medical supplies.

Dr. Ghada is a founding member of the Iraqi Businesswomen Council, and will utilize all her wide experience, and extensive relations to support the council and Iraqi businesswomen, especially the starters.

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Dr. Maha Al-Obaidi

Vice Chairwoman

Dr. Maha Al-Obaidi

Dr. Maha Al-Obaidi is an active businesswoman. She has membership in 8 of the most important Iraqi and Arabic business councils.She is one of the activists in the field of empowering women and defending their rights, and an example of leadership in the labor market. She participated in almost all workshops and conferences about empowering women with distinguished and effective role. She owns and operates two contracting and general trading companies, and excels in the field of publishing and advertising. She has an inexhaustible passion and energy in business administration and organizing conferences. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master's degree in Business Administration / Lebanese Islamic University. An honorary doctorate in economics from the British Smart International University.

She is an economic advisor to the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and a board member of the Saudi Economic Council.

Dr. Maha is a founding member of IBWC and uses all her experience and extensive local and regional relations for the success of the council and for increasing women's participation in entrepreneurship.

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Eng.Suha Al-Kifaee

Co-Founder

Engineer Suha Al-Kafaei

Engineer Suha Al-Kafaei is one of the leading women who represent successful businesswomen, especially in banking and financing, as she occupies the position of Managing Director of the International Islamic Bank. Her interests also focus on supporting women, empowering them, and assisting them in managing their own businesses, in addition to supporting education of women and children and claiming their rights. She has nearly 30 years of professional management, successful corporate leadership, human resources, and experience in founding and organizing.

Among its completed works:

- Encouraging, supporting and training electronic points of sale at the level of Iraq

- Employment of the unemployed in the private sector

- Granting various funds to support industry, agriculture and housing

- Entrepreneurship and human resources development

- Representing Iraqi women locally, regionally and globally

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