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SheLeads Initiative Hosts High-Level Panel and Training Session on “Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in the Age of AI”
On November 2nd, and as part of the ongoing SheLeads initiative, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) MENA Office held a full day of activities dedicated to advancing women’s entrepreneurship in the age of artificial intelligence. In its continued implementation, SheLeads has steadily evolved to respond to the rapid changes shaping the entrepreneurial landscape, ensuring that participants of the program benefit from the most relevant tools, knowledge, and networks. This event’s focus on artificial intelligence reflects the program’s commitment to preparing women entrepreneurs for emerging trends that will define the region’s economic future.
The day began with a specialized training session for the participants of the SheLeads program, led by trainer Ibrahim Hindi, focusing on the practical use of AI as a catalyst for business growth. Participants explored data-driven market expansion, investor-ready pitch development, smart marketing strategies, and AI-powered productivity tools. The training combined conceptual learning with hands-on exercises and direct feedback, ensuring that each participant gained practical skills that could be immediately applied to her business. As one participant expressed during the session, “AI isn’t just a new tool, it’s becoming a natural part of how modern entrepreneurs grow, adapt, and compete.” By integrating advanced digital competencies into the program, SheLeads continues to deepen the impact and sustainability of its capacity-building efforts.
In the evening, a high-level panel discussion and networking reception took place, held under the patronage of HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan. The session examined the expanding role of artificial intelligence in women’s entrepreneurship, illustrating how emerging technologies are reshaping business models, enhancing innovation, and increasing access to markets across the MENA region. At the same time, the discussion shed light on the structural barriers women continue to face, including unequal access to digital infrastructure, financial limitations, and the persistence of gendered perceptions in the tech sector. As highlighted during the panel, “Women entrepreneurs in the region must be equipped to shape the digital economy, not just adapt to it.” The conversation emphasized the need for inclusive policies, targeted training, and stronger partnerships to ensure women are positioned to benefit from AI-driven transformations.
The event brought together representatives of regional organizations, diplomats, gender specialists, AI experts, women’s rights advocates, entrepreneurs, and the seventeen SheLeads participants. This diverse audience created an environment that encouraged meaningful dialogue, constructive debate, and cross-sector collaboration. Introductory remarks highlighted the importance of building women’s digital capabilities an effort that SheLeads continues to prioritize as the region moves rapidly toward AI-enabled economies and innovation-driven growth. The participation of multiple sectors underscored the shared responsibility of supporting women-led innovation and creating more equitable access to future-oriented technologies
The panel offered a multidisciplinary exploration of AI’s practical applications in business, alongside its broader economic and social implications. Speakers reflected on the necessity of embedding AI literacy into entrepreneurship programs, noting that “AI is not replacing women, it is opening new doors for them.” The session underscored that equipping women with digital and technological skills is not only a matter of equity but a strategic investment in regional stability, competitiveness, and long-term development. By addressing both opportunities and barriers, the discussion built on insights from previous SheLeads activities, reinforcing the initiative’s mission to empower women to navigate and influence the evolving digital landscape.
Following the panel, a networking reception and product showcase offered participants the opportunity to present their businesses to donors, experts, and invited guests. The showcase enhanced the visibility of women-led enterprises and opened pathways for potential partnerships and mentorships. It also allowed attendees to engage directly with the entrepreneurs, gaining insight into the innovative products and services being developed and the role AI can play in amplifying these efforts.
The November 2nd event marked a significant step forward for the SheLeads initiative. By combining practical capacity-building with high-level dialogue and community engagement, the initiative continues to evolve in response to the shifting dynamics of the digital economy. This event’s focus on AI positions participants at the forefront of technological and economic progress. As the region undergoes rapid digital transformation, SheLeads remains committed to empowering women entrepreneurs to lead, innovate, and shape a more inclusive, resilient, and technologically driven future.