In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, women entrepreneurs are playing an increasingly vital role in driving economic growth and innovation. However, they often face unique challenges that hinder their full potential. Recognizing the need to support and empower these dynamic changemakers, the Atlantic Council and Georgetown University joined forces to create the WIn Fellowship. This prestigious initiative, launched in March 2022, is designed to accelerate the leadership and executive skills of women entrepreneurs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, providing them with the necessary tools, networks, and mentorship to scale their startups and make a lasting impact.
The Foundation of the WIn Fellowship
The WIn Fellowship is an integral part of the empowerME initiative, an ambitious project by the Rafik Hariri Center and Middle East Programs. This initiative aims to address the challenges and opportunities facing women in the MENA region, with a particular focus on fostering economic participation and leadership. By providing targeted support and resources to women entrepreneurs, empowerME seeks to drive positive change and promote gender equality in the business and policy arenas.
Program Highlights
The WIn Fellowship is a year-long, fully sponsored program that combines various elements to equip participants with the necessary skills and networks to thrive in their entrepreneurial endeavors:
Tailored Executive Education Program: One of the key components of the fellowship is the tailored executive education program delivered by Georgetown University. This program is specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of women entrepreneurs, equipping them with leadership, management, and business skills required to take their startups to new heights.
Mentorship and Networking Opportunities: Recognizing the power of mentorship and networking, the fellowship connects participants with leading US and MENA business executives, government officials, and policy experts. This invaluable network allows the fellows to gain insights from experienced professionals and build relationships that can open doors to new opportunities.
Workshops with Leading Experts: The fellowship includes workshops with experts in various fields relevant to government and business policies that foster women’s economic participation. These interactive sessions provide participants with the knowledge and tools to influence policy and create a positive impact on women’s entrepreneurship in their respective countries.
Objectives of the WIn Fellowship
Accelerating Leadership and Executive Skills: The fellowship seeks to empower women entrepreneurs with the skills and confidence necessary to lead and manage their businesses effectively. By enhancing their executive capacities, the program aims to elevate their startups to new levels of success.
Providing a Unique Perspective: The fellowship not only benefits the participants but also offers a valuable opportunity for US policymakers, scholars, and the business community to gain a direct understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by women entrepreneurs in select countries of the MENA region. This exchange of knowledge fosters greater collaboration and informed decision-making.
Building a Supportive Network: By fostering a top-tier network of WIn fellows across the region, the program encourages mutual support and collaboration. The participants become ambassadors for women’s economic participation, driving positive change and inspiring others within their communities.
The WIn Fellowship stands as a shining example of how collaboration between institutions and a shared vision can lead to meaningful change. By investing in the leadership and executive capacity of women entrepreneurs in the MENA region, the fellowship is not only promoting gender equality but also catalyzing economic growth and innovation. As the program continues to grow and evolve, it will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the lives of countless women, empowering them to be driving forces of change and progress in their communities and beyond.
July 26, 2023
