EU Delegation in Tunis holds panel discussion on “Investing in women entrepreneurs: accelerating change”

A panel discussion on "Investing in women entrepreneurs: accelerating change" was held on Wednesday at the National Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (INSAT), on the initiative of the European Union delegation in Tunisia. The ambassadors of the Member States of the European Union (EU) in Tunisia reaffirmed, on the occasion, their constant support for women entrepreneurs, given the challenges and difficulties they face in obtaining the necessary financing. The event, which is part of the celebration of International Women's Day, aims to pay tribute to the commitment of Tunisian women who are working towards a more inclusive entrepreneurial world. It featured testimonials from Tunisian women entrepreneurs, as well as a panel of change-makers working in the entrepreneurship and finance ecosystem. Participants spoke about their successes and the difficulties they face in obtaining the financing they need to start or develop their businesses. In particular, they mentioned obstacles in financial inst itutions, such as requirements for bank guarantees and a lack of programmes tailored to their needs, as well as social and cultural norms that underestimate their entrepreneurial abilities. EU Ambassador to Tunisia, Marcus Cornaro, pointed out that the testimonies of women entrepreneurs in Tunisia reflect their determination to break down barriers and combat stereotypes associated with women in the field of entrepreneurship. The EU is working through cooperation programmes to promote greater involvement of women entrepreneurs and innovators in several development sectors, thereby contributing to the creation of a more inclusive economy, he stressed. At the global level, the European Union and its Member States are stepping up their efforts to promote gender equality, in particular through the EU's Gender Action Plan (GAP III) 2021-2025. The aim is to support equal opportunities and combat discrimination in 85% of cooperation activities. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse