Feature

Arab-African Forum: BPW SG Rabia Salhi Highlights Barriers to Women’s Economic Inclusion

By Karima Rhanem, Senior Managing Editor

At the Arab-African Forum on Business and Human Rights, held on June 24–25, 2025, in Marrakech, Rabia Salhi, Secretary General of the Moroccan Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW Maroc), took part in Workshop 6 on the inclusion of vulnerable groups. Organized by the Interministerial Delegation for Human Rights, the forum provided a regional platform for dialogue around how business actors can contribute to rights-based, inclusive development across Africa and the Arab world.

Representing BPW Maroc President Fatiha Othmane—who was attending the FEMNET continental forum in Kenya—Rabia Salhi shared key reflections on how economic structures often exclude women, particularly those in vulnerable social and geographic contexts. Her presentation focused on strengthening the role of women entrepreneurs, recognizing unpaid labor, and encouraging inclusive policies that connect economic opportunity with human dignity.

In a statement to The New Africa Magazine, Salhi stressed the importance of removing systemic barriers that hold women back. “It is not enough to say that entrepreneurship empowers women,” she said. “We must dismantle the legal, structural, and cultural obstacles they face. We need to rethink women’s roles—not just as beneficiaries of development, but as its architects.”

Salhi also emphasized the value of unpaid domestic and care work, largely performed by women, which remains unrecognized in formal economic policies despite its essential contribution to society. She argued for a more holistic approach that reflects the full scope of women’s labor—both visible and invisible.

Citing BPW Maroc’s work on the ground, Salhi presented several examples of initiatives aimed at building women’s skills in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, marketing, and cooperative development. These projects, she explained, support women in achieving financial independence and self-determination, particularly in rural areas and under-resourced communities.

Her intervention called for integrated strategies involving public institutions, civil society, and the private sector to promote inclusive economic participation and responsible business practices. She also advocated for embedding gender equality and human rights principles in national education systems as a long-term solution to address inequalities.

Salhi concluded by highlighting BPW Maroc’s mission and its work at the national level. The federation, affiliated with the international Business and Professional Women network, supports more than 800 women entrepreneurs and professionals through training, advocacy, and leadership development. With active branches in Rabat, Casablanca, and Salé—and others under way in Marrakech and Meknès—BPW Maroc promotes women’s economic participation and access to decision-making spaces.

The federation has organized several national and international events under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the effective presidency of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem. Its second international forum is currently in preparation and is scheduled to take place in April 2026 in the cities of Marrakech and Laayoune.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button