Mentoring programmes are key to enabling women to participate in economic life on an equal footing. They unlock access to experience, networks and role models, provide space for reflection and encourage women to take ambitious career steps – especially in the case of current and aspiring women entrepreneurs, who often have to navigate strategy, financing, market development and their personal role all at once.
That is exactly where the one-year Ouissal mentoring programme comes in. Its Arabic name itself means ‘bridge’ or ‘connection’, and reflects the goal of bringing together women entrepreneurs and managers from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the Palestinian territories and Germany for
About Ouissal
Ouissal aims to support the economic and social participation of women in their home countries and to strengthen their international networks. The programme was initiated by the Euro-Mediterranean-Arab Association (EMA e.V.), and has since been funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The Agency for Business and Economic Development (AWE) is responsible for aspects of programme communication and marketing.
As a mentor, you will empower three committed young women entrepreneurs by helping them to find their own path in the business world. Your mentees will bring a fresh outlook, up-to-date knowledge and insights from a different business culture. Your discussions with them will enable you to discover new opportunities and expand your horizons and knowledge.
Here are some of the ways in which you will benefit:
- An external strategic perspective: Working on your mentees’ business plan will also sharpen your eye for business models and spark new ideas for your own business activities.
- New perspectives: You will get to know other women entrepreneurs and new regions at the network meetings. You can expand your international network and your understanding of different types of business logic, communication styles and approaches to decision-making.
- Professional development through dialogue: As you engage in dialogue with committed entrepreneurs, you will reflect on your own experiences, reframe your knowledge and expand your horizons.
- A meaningful role that produces real results: You will empower three women entrepreneurs on their journeys.
Learn more about applying to be a mentor.
As a mentee, you will benefit from regular personal discussions with an experienced woman entrepreneur and two other mentees. You will work together on the questions and issues that matter to you – for example with regard to your professional development, business plan, customer acquisition or building contacts with other companies.
Here are some of the ways in which you will benefit:
- Developing your business plan: You will refine your business model, particularly with regard to sustainability and digital transformation.
- Targeted implementation: You will define your next steps, priorities and milestones in collaboration with your mentor and the other mentees.
- Increasing your expertise: You will expand your knowledge of finance, marketing, digitalisation and sustainability by participating in targeted online training sessions.
- Building an international network: German-Arab cooperation will enable you to discover new perspectives and expand your professional network.
Learn more about applying to be a mentee.
Find out more and benefit from the network
Find out more about the application requirements and start your mentoring journey now.
Learn more about the programme
