Conference of the European Commission about Equality between women and men

Published by S. Mally, September 2011, Barcelona (Spain)

Last 19th and 20th of September several representatives of European gender related organisations came to Brussels to participate at the European Commission's Conference: "Equality between Women and Men".

Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe, as President of AFAEMME and member of the European Commission's Network of Women in Decision-Making in Politics and the Economy, was particularly interested in the session on equality in decision-making, which has been chaired by Mrs. Lowri Evans. Equality in decision-making is one of the five priority areas in both the Women's Charter and the European Commission's Strategy for Equality between Women and Men 2010-2015.

During the above-named session, Mrs. Ami Hole, Director General of the Norwegian Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion, focused her speech on quota legislation; Mr. Jonathan Rees, Director General of the Quality Office of the Government of the United Kingdom, talked about self-regulatory measures to promote gender balanced boards; and Mrs. Mechthilde Maier, Head of Group Diversity Management of Deutsche Telekom AG, focused on the issue of the example of good practice by the corporate board.

If you want to read more about the conference, some contents of the background notes and other related details please click here.

If you want to see the recorded conference via webstreaming visit http://ec.europa.eu/justice/newsroom/gender-equality/events/110919_en.htm

Meeting with Mr. Joaquim Gay de Montellà, President of the Catalan Employers Federation

Published by S. Mally, September 2011, Barcelona (Spain)

In July 2011, and on the occasion of the recent elections at the Catalan Employers Federation (Foment del Treball Nacional) and the recent election of Mr. Joaquim Gay de Montellà as new President of the Federation, Mrs. Maria Helena de Felipe, AFAEMME's President, and Mrs. Beatriz Fernández-Tubau, AFAEMME's Secretary General, held a meeting with Mr. Gay de Montellà.

Although both organisations exchanged several information and experiences, the main issue which has been discussed during this meeting was the positioning of women in companies' boards.

AFAEMME's collaboration with the Secretariat of the Union for the Mediterranean

Published by S. Mally, June 2011, Barcelona (Spain)

Next 18th of July the OECD Local Economic and Employment Development (LEED) Programme and the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) will co-organize, in collaboration with the city of Barcelona, an expert meeting to discuss pathways for employment and skills strategies in the Mediterranean region: "Employment and Skills Strategies in the Mediterranean: Developing Pathways for the Future". AFAEMME will participate in one of the sessions of the conference, dedicated to "Skills Development to Empower Mediterranean Women and Girls". As speakers of this session there will take part Mrs. De Felipe, AFAEMME's President, and some of AFAEMME's members as, for example Mrs. Badraoui, President of the Association of Moroccan Businesswomen (AFEM), and Mrs. Awwad, President of the Ramallah Club of BPW.

On the 19th of July, AFAEMME will meet with the Secretariat for the Union of the Mediterranean in order to coordinate, together with its partners, the execution of a new project. The project will be about female entrepreneurship promotion and will have the support, among others, of the European Training Foundation.

VIII Meeting of the European Network of Women in Decision-Making in Politics and the Economy

Published by S. Mally, June 2011, Barcelona (Spain)

The VIII meeting of the European Network of Women in Decision-Making in Politics and the Economy took place in Brussels on the 22nd of June.

This meeting was mainly focused on the issue of engaging men to advance in gender diversity.

In this sense Mrs. Irene Natividad, President of the Global Summit of Women and member of the Network, has suggested some interesting key actions in order to achieve the engagement of men:

• To create the figure of a Chief Diversity Officer to connect with senior male and female officers in making change happen
• To offer an economic incentive for compliance or for being a leader in the diversity effort
• To create an Executive Diversity Council chaired by the CEO and that meets regularly to gauge progress, assess initiatives and develop ideas for new programs. The chairing CEO signalizes the seriousness with which the company views this issue
• To create work/life benefits as available for men as for women. This policy would eliminate the stigma of women employees taking time off for their family responsibilities

The Global Gender Gap Report 2010

Published by S. Mally, December 2010, Barcelona (Spain)

At the end of 2010 we are at a unique turning point: never before has there been such momentum around the issue of gender parity on the global stage.

Numerous multinational companies have aligned core elements of their business and products to support and provide opportunities for women in the communities in which they are active. The United Nation has created a new entity for gender equality and the empowerment of women. There is a strong movement around greater investment in girl’s education in the developing world. Businesses around the world are starting to take into account the increasing power of women consumers. As women begin to make up more than half of all university graduates in much of the developed world, there is an increased consciousness that this talent must be given the opportunity to lead. Several countries have introduced legislation that mandates minimum requirements for women’s participation, in both business and politics.

The World Economic Forum has been among the institutions at the forefront of driving this change in mindset, primarily by emphasizing the message that gender gaps have an impact on competitiveness and by engaging the business community.

The Global Gender Gap Index, introduced by the World Economic Forum in 2006, is a framework for capturing the magnitude and scope of gender-based disparities and tracking their progress. The Country Profiles of the Report present a compilation of selected data for each individual country included in The Global Gender Gap Report 2010.

We at AFAEMME wanted to capture, as we did in 2009, some of the data provided by The Global Gender Gap Report 2010 to offer a short and clear overview of the current performance of 18 of the analyzed countries: Albania, Algeria, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, Finland, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Malta, Morocco, Slovenia, Spain, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey.

Please click HERE to open the overview.

Women at power in Politics 2010

Published by S. Mally, December 2010, Barcelona (Spain)

To open the PDF file please click HERE.

50 most powerful women in business 2010

Published by S. Mally, December 2010, Barcelona (Spain)

To open the PDF file please click HERE.

Women-owned businesses can recharge the Global Economy

Published by S. Mally, December 2010, Barcelona (Spain)

Helping women-owned businesses is a smart investment. Data from the World Bank, the World Economic Forum and other organisations demonstrates that women-owned businesses can be the tipping point for a global economic comeback.

But to help women-owned businesses grow and create jobs, we need to improve their access in three key areas currently not being met:

• Access to capital: It is difficult for all small businesses to obtain financing in the current environment, but women-owned businesses face greater challenges. Women start companies using more of their own money, and less capital from outside investors, than men. Women can be more reluctant to apply for loans and are more likely to expect rejection. Yet when women are the direct beneficiaries of credit, their repayment rates are higher in all regions of the world, research shows.


• The global supply chain: Women have difficulty forming networks that help bring in business. Women are good at connecting on common issues, but need help in thinking about “bridging” rather than “bonding” to build businesses. We must also encourage women entrepreneurs to seek out role models and tap influential networks. Following role models who exemplify risk-taking and high achievement can help women entrepreneurs overcome fear of failure that can deter growth. Leveraging social and professional networks can give women that all-important boost to expand beyond a certain revenue threshold. We must also encourage women-owned businesses to set high and specific goals such as raising their revenue to match the revenues of companies owned by men.


• Business networks that can help them scale: We need to concentrate on improving women’s access to the global supply chain. Only a fraction of government and large corporations actively source from women-owned businesses.

Power and decision-making; facts and figures 2010

Published by S. Mally, December 2010, Barcelona (Spain)

Globally, women held 19.1% of seats in single/lower chambers of parliament in May 2010, compared to 11.3% in 1995.

Only 28 countries have achieved the 30% target for women in decision-making positions set in the early 1990s.

In early 2010, only 15 Heads of State or Government were women.

Quotas and other temporary special measures, applied in areas such as electoral systems, and corporate and civil service recruitment processes, have played a significant role in increasing the number of women in public life.

Serious challenges persist to women’s full and equal participation in senior decision-making positions, including negative stereotypes about women’s leadership roles, lack of commitment by political parties, inadequate funding and training for women candidates and government officials, and high levels of violence and intimidation against women in public office.

AFAEMME participates at the IV Mediterranean Week of Economic Leader

Published by S. Mally, November 2010, Barcelona (Spain)

Last 22-26 of November, Barcelona hosted again the Mediterranean Week of Economic Leaders, which comprised the North Africa Business Development Forum, the MEDA City Forum, the Logismed Seminar, the Mediterranean Legal Certainty Seminar and the ECO Meda Green Forum.

AFAEMME attended the North African Business Development Forum were speakers highlighted that SMEs are an important motor for the region’s economy and that it is very important to reach a horizontal cooperation between Mediterranean countries in order to enhance economic and social progress.

The Achievement of MDG in African and Middle East countries

Published by S. Mally, November 2010, Barcelona (Spain)

The World Bank has currently published The Millennium Development Goals and the Road to 2015: Building on Progress and Responding to Crisis, where it evaluates the achievement of MDGs in Middle Eastern and African countries and concludes that most of them could achieve them within 2015.

Despite of this mostly optimistic view there are some data regarding women which are less positive as, for example, that gender differences still persist in this region. Girls still present lower schooling and literacy ratios than boys and women are less represented in qualified job positions.

Finally, The World Bank publication highlights that the Algerian government has adopted a strategy (2007-2010) to eradicate illiteracy, particularly among women, and that the Gulf countries need to work harder in terms of gender equality and political participation of women.

European Commission adopts new strategy on gender equality

Published by S. Mally, October 2010, Barcelona (Spain)

In September 2010 the European Commission adopted a five-year strategy for promoting equality between women and men in Europe which aims in particular to make better use of women’s potential by applying specific measures.

In times of crisis the strategy can contribute to economic growth by making a better use of women’s talents; specifically:

• Getting more women into the labour market and helping to reach the Europe 2020 target employment rate of 75% overall for women and men;
• Putting forward targeted initiatives to get more women into top jobs in economic decision-making;
• Promoting female entrepreneurship and self employment;
• Instituting an annual European Equal Pay Day to raise awareness of the fact that women continue to earn an average of nearly 18% less than men across the EU;
• Working together with all Member States in combating violence against women, especially eradicating female genital mutilation in Europe and beyond;
• Setting up a yearly top-level Gender Equality Dialogue involving the European Parliament, the Council presidencies, European social partners and civil society to assess progress in implementing the strategy.

Also if recent trends about gender equality in the EU are encouraging -more women are in the labour market; education and training have been improved and young women (10-24) represent 59% of university graduates in the EU- gender gaps remain in many areas.

Women are still over-represented in lower paid sectors and under-represented in decision-making positions. Furthermore, parenthood keeps female self-employment rates down (only 33,2% of the self-employed) and women continue to work more unpaid hours than men at home.

European Parliament votes for more equality between women and men and a more sustainable future

Published by S. Mally, October 2010, Barcelona (Spain)

The European Parliament passed a Resolution in favour of increasing European minimum standards for maternity and paternity leave provisions. Among other measures, the Parliament approved an increase of maternity leave provisions from 14 weeks to 20 weeks and the introduction of two weeks leave for new fathers, both fully paid. According to this Resolution, fathers are provided with two weeks non-transferable leave at full pay. The first six weeks of maternity leave are also non-transferable, but a couple can request to share the remaining 14 weeks.

Currently in Europe, women’s employment rates drop by more than 12% when they have children. The OECD found in 2006 that in countries where the maternity leave provisions are longest, female employment rates were also highest.

In a time of widespread concern about Europe’s ageing population and the costs of pensions, increasing women’s participation in the labour market as well as birth-rates has become paramount to economic sustainability.

Winners of the Women and Public Life Awards

Published by S. Mally, October 2010, Barcelona (Spain)

Last September Dods and Scottish Widows held the Women in Public Life Awards to celebrate women leaders in society and seek to recognize and promote the work of women in politics, business, the civil society and community leadership. The Awards which are now in their fourth year, aim to highlight the achievements of outstanding women role models amongst us.

• Businesswoman of the Year: Ruby McGregor-Smith, Chief Executive, MITIE Group PLC
• Devolved Parliament or Assembly Member of the Year: Margo Macdonald, Independent MSP for Lothians
• Journalist of the Year: Laura Kuenssberg, Political Correspondent, BBC
• Local Government Personality of the Year: Jacqui Kennedy OBE, Director of Regulatory Services, Birmingham City Council
• MP of the Year: Annette Brooke, MP (Lib Dem) Mid Dorset and North Poole
• Peer of the Year: Baroness Stern CBE
• Public Affairs Achiever of the Year: Chrissie Maher OBE, Founder, Plain English Campaign
• Public Servant of the Year: Andrea Charity, Project Team Member, Crown Prosecution Service
• Sportswoman or Team of the Year: England Women's Cricket Team
• Voluntary Sector Achiever of the Year: Clare Algar, Executive Director, Reprieve
• Outstanding Achiever of the Year: Chrissie Maher OBE, Founder, Plain English Campaign

Female Balkan entrepreneurs share experiences in Istanbul

Published by S. Mally, October 2010, Barcelona (Spain)

Last end of September, Istanbul hosted the First Forum for South East European Women Entrepreneurs. The two-day-forum was designed to provide a chance for Balkan entrepreneurial women to share experiences and best practices, as well as promote their further integration in their networks.

Mrs. Flutura Xhabija, President of the Professional & Business Women Association of Albania (PBWA), which is member of AFAEMME, participated in the Forum where she shared her story and experience as a businesswomen beginning in the 90s, when the communist regime felt in Albania. Mrs. Xhabija pointed out that women entrepreneurs or businesswomen’s associations in the area still face many problems and that there is an important lack of education, knowledge of foreign languages and the necessary qualifications.

The European Union mulls gender quotas on company boards

Published by S. Mally, September 2010, Barcelona (Spain)

The European Commission is considering introducing quotas to tackle gender imbalances in the decision-making bodies of private companies where only 10% of members are women.

Specifically, Mrs. Viviane Reding, Vice-President of the European Commission, considers introducing an initial 20% quota to be applied by 2015 as a last resort should companies prove incapable of voluntarily adapting their gender balance.

Unfortunately, and despite of the fact that several studies demonstrate that a higher presence of women in top jobs has a positive effect on economic growth, only one in ten board members of Europe’s top listed companies are women and the representation of women among CEOs of the biggest companies is even lower, at 3%.

In the political field gender equality is also far from being a reality: in Europe only 24% of members of national parliaments are women and only 27% of government members are female.

So although it is clear that equality in decision-making is not yet a fact, for the moment the commissioner will just monitor companies’ behavior until the end of 2011 without taking any specific action.

The United Nations created the UN Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women

Published by S. Mally, September 2010, Barcelona (Spain)

Last July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women -UN Women- in order to better help Member States accelerate progress toward their goals on gender equality and the empowerment of women.

The creation of UN Women, which came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact, means the fusion of the Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW), the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW), the Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women (OSAGI) and the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM).

The main roles of the new Entity are:

• To support inter-governmental bodies, such as the Commission on the Status of Women, in their formulation of policies, global standards and norms
• To help Member States to implement these standards, standing ready to provide suitable technical and financial support to those countries that request it and to forge effective partnerships with civil society
• To hold the UN system accountable for its own commitments on gender equality, including regular monitoring of system-wide progress.

UN-Women, which will be operational by January 2011, will be the lead driver and lead voice advocating for gender equality and women’s empowerment globally.

For further information on UN-Women please visit www.unwomen.org

Aspects to highlight of the Global Gender Gap Report 2009

Published by S. Mally, July 2010, Barcelona (Spain)

The Global Gender Gap Index, introduced by the World Economic Forum in 2006, is a framework for capturing the magnitude and scope of gender-based disparities and tracking their progress. The Index benchmarks national gender gaps on economic, political education- and health- based criteria.

The fourth edition of the Global Gender Gap Report provides a valuable snapshot of the current performance of 134 countries, representing over 90% of the world’s population. On average, over 96% of the gap on health outcomes, 93% of the gap on educational attainment, 60% of the gap on economic participation and 17% of the gap political empowerment has been closed. No country in the world has achieved gender equality. The three highest ranking countries –Iceland, Finland and Norway- have closed a little over 80% of their gender gaps, while the lowest ranking country –Yemen- has closed only around 46% of its gender gap.

We at AFAEMME wanted to capture some of the data provided by The Global Gender Gap Report 2009 to offer a short and clear overview of the current performance of 18 of the analyzed countries: Albania, Algeria, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, Finland, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Malta, Morocco, Slovenia, Spain, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey.

To open our résumé please click HERE

10 recommendations of IPEMED

Published by S. Mally, July 2010, Barcelona (Spain)

How can we obtain achieving converging regional performances, socially and territorially more egalitarian? This is the question raised by the Institut de Prospective Économique du Monde Méditerranéen (IPEMED) in its publication « The Mediterranean Region in 2030 : the ways of a better future ».

In the frame of this publication IPEMED proposes some recommendations focused on the main stakes and factors of Euro Mediterranean convergence:

1. Investing in human capital by fostering mobility (allowing temporary migration for contract based services and projects co-financed by the UFM) and in qualification (creation of a common core and a Euro-Mediterranean network of vocational training and accreditation/recognition of skills and qualifications; supporting the Euro-Mediterranean University (EMUNI); strengthening ErasmusMed...).

2. Accelerating the transfer of skills, competences and technology (1) by facilitating the emergence of Euro-Mediterranean research and “competitiveness poles” (clusters) on carrier or rich in employment sectors (information and communication technologies for services, the agricultural techniques and energy efficiency, etc.); (2) by tightening localization on a regional basis – from this point of view, the implementation of a system of regional preferences that go beyond free trade and based on criteria concerning social, sanitary and environmental quality will contribute to accelerate transfers of capital and know-how.

3. Creating a common institutional space, supplementing transfers, an advanced status benefitting from “pre-accession” funds to the internal market (meaning the progressive implementation of the four liberties of circulation of goods, capital, services and persons), and accelerate the accession process of candidate countries to the EU.

4. Engage a Mediterranean certification process focusing initially on agriculture and services, with the implementation of a Mediterranean label guaranteeing health (establishment of a health agency) and environmental standards in agricultural products, a level of competence and quality of services for service providers.

5. Projects should be selected by the Union for the Mediterranean (co-financing) on their potential for job creation, and/or energy moderation.

6. Creating a Mediterranean environmental fund to finance, on the one hand, the strengthening of the capacity of adaptation to the climate change of southern and eastern Mediterranean countries and the Adriatic countries and, on the other hand, renewable energy transport’s infrastructure and alternative public transport projects, clean development projects reducing greenhouse gas emissions, rationalizing water demand and energy efficiency projects, especially for residential commercial buildings. Establish a EuroMed Fund for Solar Energy.

7. Set up a Mediterranean bank of investment, based on the same principles of the EIB, and created to encourage financing of the SME, key actors in the creation of wealth and employment.

8. Intensify transport networks in the South of the Mediterranean in order to facilitate the fluidity of South-South trades, with a particular attention on the multimodal transport allowing a better optimization of the logistics cost.

9. Elaborate a common food safety policy (mutualized devices of insurance of the agricultural risks; creation of security stocks and elaboration of mechanisms of emergency intervention) and of rural development (material and immaterial infrastructures of the sectors; manager and technological trainings).

10. Create a permanent Euro-Mediterranean center in order to assess convergence and divergence process of Mediterranean area, efficiency of policy implementation favorable to Mediterranean integration and to raise awareness among public opinion.

AFAEMME participates at the IEMed survey which contributed to elaborate the report “Assessment of the Euromediterranean Partnership: Perceptions and Realities”

Published by S. Mally, July 2010, Barcelona (Spain)

AFAEMME’s President, Mrs. De Felipe Lehtonen, has participated at the survey done by the European Institute for the Mediterranean (IEMed) in order to gather data from more than 370 extensive questionnaires answered by experts, actors and decision-makers of the countries involved in the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership or Barcelona Process.

The study forms part of the project “Promoting mutual awareness, understanding and cooperation between the European Union (EU) and the European Neighbourhood Region (South)”, a multi-year programme within the framework of the working dynamics of the European Commission and EuropeAid through the regional chapter of the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument.

You can read the report “Assessment of the Euromediterranean Partnertship: Perceptions and Ralities” in our press clipping section.

ITC and Women Mobility Projects

Published by S. Mally, July 2010, Barcelona (Spain)

“INTERCOLLEGE” is currently implementing, together with the University of Tartu, “ITEC”, “Scienter España S.L.”, “Emmerce Eeig”, “Inova Consultancy” and “MILITOS EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES & SERVICES Greece” a very successful European project entitled “Gender-IT: Fostering gender mainstreaming in the ICT sector” (www.gender-it.eu) which is a two-year initiative co-funded by the European Union's Lifelong Learning Program, under the Leonardo da Vinci Action. The project aims to contribute to innovative and attractive VET practices in the ICT sector in order to cover the existing gender gap with women accounting for less than 20% of computer systems designers, analysts and programmers in the EU27. In the frame of this program Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe, AFAEMME’s President, has been interviewed about women and ITC’s. To read the interview please click here.

“MILITOS EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES & SERVICES Greece”, together with “BIC OF ATTICA”, the Region of Attica (Greece),“IRECOOP Veneto” and the Region of Veneto (Italy), is also implementing another European Project (www.womenproject.eu) which overall aim is the formulation, experimentation, dissemination and mainstreaming of an integrated mechanism supporting Mobility through intervening in main steps of the process of raising occupational skills and competences and of career development.

The ANIMA Investment Network Board of Directors appoints AFAEMME at the post of treasurer

Published by S. Mally, June 2010, Barcelona (Spain)

During the ANIMA Investment Network Board Meeting, which took place last June 2nd 2010 in Barcelona (Spain), AFAEMME presented its candidature for the treasurer’s position of the Network. The Board of Directors unanimously decided to appoint AFAEMME at the post.

AFAEMME participated at the Mediterranean Economic Leaders Summit

Published by S. Mally, June 2010, Barcelona (Spain)

AFAEMME participated at the Mediterranean Economic Leaders Summit, which took place last June 3rd and 4th in Barcelona, Spain.

The Summit had been hosted by the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce and Industry and organized by ANIMA, ASCAME, BusinessEurope, BusinessMed, Eurchambres and UEAPME.

Four workshops featured the participation of experts and finance agents from each one of the areas addressed. Furthermore, the region's main business leaders analyzed the evolution of Euro-Mediterranean economic and business relations, laying special emphasis on future openings derived from the UfM.

AFAEMME took part of the “Entrepreneurship” workshop dedicated to support and facilitate the access to finance for Mediterranean entrepreneurs.

The event culminated in the signing of a joint business declaration: the Barcelona Mediterranean Private Sector Declaration

AFAEMME met the Greek Association of Women Entrepreneurs (S.E.G.E) in Barcelona

Published by S. Mally, June 2010, Barcelona (Spain)

AFAEMME and its Greek member, the Greek Association of Women Entrepreneurs (S.E.G.E.), held a meeting in Barcelona last 18th of May.

During the meeting, which has been attended by the Presidents and General Secretaries of both Organisations, AFAEMME and S.E.G.E. discussed about future and common projects and evaluated past and recent actions.

The meeting has been closed by a working-lunch with representatives of both Organisations.

Corporate Women Directors International Key findings on Women Board Directors of the 2009 Fortune Global 200

Published by S. Mally, May 2010, Barcelona (Spain)

The Corporate Women Directors International 2010 Report contains very interesting data on Women Board Directors collected in a list of key findings which we will reproduce as follows:

• Good news: Over three-quarters (77.5%) of the 200 largest companies in the world, as ranked by Fortune in 2009, have at least one woman director on their board.


• Good news: For the first time in the three CWDI reports on women board directors of the Fortune Global 200, the number of companies with two women board members is higher (58) than the number of companies with only one woman director (51). Fifteen companies had four or more board seats held by women.


• Bad news: Conversely, 45 of the largest 200 companies in the world still do not have a single woman on their Board of Directors -- the same number of companies as in the 2007 CWDI Report on Women Board Directors of Fortune Global 200 Companies.


• Bad news: The total percentage of women board members globally continued to increase at a glacial pace. The percentage of board seats held by women from 2006-2009 increased by only 1% to 12.2% from 11.2% in 2007. This means that men still hold 87.8% of all board appointments to the 200 largest companies in the world.


• Part of the reason for the seeming status quo in women’s accession to board seats is the changed composition of the Fortune listing. There are new countries represented – Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, which traditionally do not have significant numbers of women in leadership roles.


• In addition, Asian companies comprise the majority of companies with no women directors. Twenty-nine (29) of the 45 companies with no women on the boards, or 64.4%, are from Asia.


• Among the world’s largest companies, the U.S. continues to be the pacesetter in appointing women to board seats. 19.5% of all board directors of U.S. companies in the study are women. This marks a 1.9% increase from the 2007 CWDI Report.


• Norway’s Statoil company and U.S.-based Kraft Corporation lead CWDI’s “Top Ten” list of companies with the highest percentage of women directors with 40% of board seats in each company held by women. U.S. companies dominate this “Top Ten” listing. China places one company for the first time in the Top Ten with China Construction Bank at 28.6%. All five companies with women CEOs in the Fortune Global 200 are included in the Top Ten listing.


• The country which leads Europe and has the second highest percentage overall is the Netherlands with 15.9% women’s representation on the boards of the eight companies in this listing. In five years, the Netherlands increased its percentage of women directors from 8.6% to 15.9%. Switzerland ranks third with 14.3% women directors on the boards of its five companies in the study, raising their percentage of women directors in its largest companies from 7.7% to 11.2%. Lastly, France saw a similar increase of female representation on its large company boards from 3.6% to 11.2%.


• These increases in the Netherlands, Switzerland and France are due in part to greater advocacy, research and attention to the issue of women on boards. Both the Netherlands and France have passed laws mandating quotas for women directors in their respective countries similar to that of Norway’s. Spain has also enacted a quota law requiring 50% of board seats to be allocated for women.


• All countries which had at least five companies in the Fortune Global 200 in 2009 increased their percentage of women directors with one exception -- the United Kingdom. The U.K. saw a drop in the percentage of women board directors in the companies included in the Fortune listing from 13.9% to 10.6%.


• Among Fortune’s current listing of the 200 largest companies in the world, the Food Consumer Products industry had the highest representation of women directors in an industry comparison -- 27.1% of board seats in the companies in this field being female.

The General Assembly of ANIMA elected a new President and new Board of Directors

Published by S. Mally, February 2010, Barcelona (Spain)

During its General Assembly, hold in Barcelona (Spain) on April 23rd 2009, ANIMA elected Mrs. Wafaa Sobhy, Vice-Chairman of GAFI, as the new President of the Organisation and a new Board of Directors, whose mandate began on January 1st 2010.
The new composition of the ANIMA Board of Directors, where AFAEMME is now part of, is the following one:

European Union and Employment

Published by S. Mally, February 2010, Barcelona (Spain)

Last January 27th AFAEMME attended a conference about the Spanish Presidency of the European Union and about European Employment Policies, which were hold in the Headquarter of the European Institutions in Barcelona.

Speakers, mainly university professors and experts in economy and social affairs, highlighted that the European Union should coordinate efforts for facilitating its member States labour maximization, among others by facilitating women access to the labour market. Furthermore they strongly recommended to always considering labour policies together with economic polices and to coordinate both.

Attendants to the conference also get access to the Speech that the Secretary of State for the European Union, Diego López Garrido, held at the European Parliament on December 15th 2009, about the challenges and opportunities of the Spanish Presidency of the European Union. Important aspects of this speech were that one of the four main priorities of the Presidency is equality between women and men and that the protection and promotion of equality is also one of the two Presidency’s Guidelines. Besides, López Garrido also made reference to the strengthening of the competitiveness and the creation of quality employment and told that for achieving it social inclusion and a gender perspective of the strategy will be very important.

Report from the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union “Beijing + 15: The Platform for Action and the European Union”

Published by S. Mally, December 2009, Barcelona (Spain)

Last December 2009 the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union published the report “Beijing + 15: The Platform for Action and the European Union”. This report is the third review of development at the EU-level in relation to the 12 critical areas of concern of the PfA (the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action for Equality, Development and Peace adopted by the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing 1995).

The report, which is based on the Council Conclusions on the follow-up of the Beijing PfA since 2005 and on information provided by the Member States in January 2009, realizes important outlines regarding women in power and decision making and women in the economy.

The document highlights that while the last few years have seen a general increase in the number of women in decision-making positions in Europe, women continue to be a minority in the political and economical spheres.

With regard to the different indicators in the area Women in power and decision-making which were adopted by the Council in 1999 and extended during Italy’s Presidency in 2003, the report shows, among others, that:

Gender balance amongst appointed members of national governments in the member states has slowly increased and there are great differences between member states (In 2008 Finland had 60% of female ministers and Spain 50%, but there were also EU-countries with less than 10% women). Women’s trade union membership has increased over recent years but women are not progressing easily to top level positions. Only three national confederations reported having a woman as a president and few labour confederations have female vice presidents. The current President of the European Trade Union Confederation is a woman.

Women are still excluded from the highest decision-making bodies or boards of the largest publicly quoted companies. The proportion amongst presidents of executive boards of the top 50 firms publicly quoted on the national stock exchange is 3% women and 97% men.

Regarding women and the economy, the report highlights that parental leave does not always advance gender equality and that long parental leave periods, used only by mothers, may reduce female labour force participation and affect future career paths and earnings adversely. Furthermore it pointed out that gender gaps in employment and childcare responsibility are still there and that it is necessary to take measures to encourage men to share family and domestic responsibilities with women on an equal footing and to encourage enterprises to adopt family-friendly measures.

Invest in Med celebrates the MedAlliance Board and a Conference in Barcelona

Published by P. Horvath, April 30th, 2009 Barcelona (Spain)

On April 24th, the Invest in Med Programme held in Barcelona the second MedAlliance Board and the Conference of the Union for the Mediterranean on the subject "The Mediterranean countries and the global economic crisis", in the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce of Barcelona, the Casa Llotja del Mar.

The MedAlliance Board is the Steering Committee of the Invest in Med programme, which brings together ANIMA, BUSINESSMED, ASCAME, EUROCHAMBRES and the special partners GTZ, UNIDO and EUROMEDITERRANEE and is co-financed by the European Commission. The Board was chaired by Mr. Galal El Zorba, President of BUSINESSMED and during this event the «MedAlliance Declaration» was also presented and signed.

The Conference had as main subject the importance of economic collaboration between Mediterranean countries, in order to create long lasting strategic alliances and partnerships between SMEs from the North and South of the Mediterranean, to facilitate their development and attract Foreign Direct Investment and trade flows towards the Mediterranean region.

During these events, Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe Lehtonen, President of AFAEMME met Mrs. Marta Turk, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Ljubljana, to discuss the development of the project “Med Franchise”, which both organisations are carrying out together. Mrs. Felipe Lehtonen also had the opportunity to speak and exchange views with Mr. Galal El Zorba, President of BUSINESSMED and with Mrs. Shéhérazade Berrehouma, BUSINESSMED’s General Secretary.

Mrs. Felipe Lehtonen with Mr. Galal El Zorba, President of BUSINESSMED

AFAEMME President meets the President of ANIMA Investment Network

Published by P. Horvath, April 30th, 2009 Barcelona (Spain)

During ANIMA Investment Network’s Annual General Meeting, held in Barcelona on April 23rd – coinciding with one of Catalonia’s most important holidays, the day of Saint Jordi - Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe Lehtonen, President of AFAEMME met with the then President of ANIMA Investment Network, Mrs. Laïla Sbiti. During this reunion both Presidents exchanged opinions regarding the projects being carried out by their organisations and on the activities that they could hold together in a near future.

On the same day, ANIMA held its elections to the Board of Directors, in which Mrs. Sbiti was chosen Vice-President for the 209 -2011 period.

ANIMA Investment Network’s Annual General Meeting

Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe Lehtonen, President of AFAEMME with Mrs. Laïla Sbiti. former President of ANIMA Investment Network.

AFAEMME becomes Member of the Spanish Coordinator of the European Women’s Lobby

Published by P. Horvath, April 6th, 2009 Barcelona (Spain)

Last March 28th, AFAEMME become member of CELEM, the Spanish Coordinator of the European Women’s Lobby (EWL).

The EWL is the largest umbrella organisations of women’s associations in the European Union. Its Secretariat is based in Brussels, but EWL has member organisations in the 27 Member States of the EU and in 3 candidate countries.

The European Women’s Lobby aims at promoting women’s rights and equality between women and men in the European Union. EWL is active in different areas such as women’s economic and social position, women in decision-making, violence against women, women’s diversity etc. EWL works mainly with the institutions of the European Union: the European Parliament, the European Commission and the EU Council of Ministers.
CELEM, the Spanish national network coordinator, was presented in the Senate in 1994 and in 1995 the organisation was formally recognised.

AFAEMME Participates in a Meeting to Constitute the Council for Women’s Participation of Spain

Published by P. Horvath, March 18th, 2009 Barcelona (Spain)

AFAEMME was invited by the Ministry for Equality of Spain to discuss the constitution of the Spanish Council for Women’s Participation in a meeting held in Madrid last March 16th.

The event counted with the presence of representatives from sixty national women organisations, including Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe Lehtonen, President of AFAEMME. During the meeting’s debate, Mrs. de Felipe presented the model followed by the European Commission’s Network of Women in Decision-Making in Politics and Economy, as one that could be taken into account by the future Council for Women’s Participation. She also encouraged the participants to take part in the upcoming elections to the European Parliament, which will take place in June reminding the importance of having more women representatives in this institution.

AFAEMME’s President meets EU’s Commissioner responsible for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy

Published by P. Horvath, March 11th, 2009 Barcelona (Spain)

On March 10th 2009 Mrs. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Commissioner responsible for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy visited Barcelona. As part of Mrs. Ferrero-Waldner’s agenda, a dinner was hosted by the Major of Barcelona, Mr. Jordi Hereu, in Catalonia’s National Museum of Art. The event gathered a group of public figures representing the Mediterranean basin, including Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe Lehtonen, President of AFAEMME.

The guests had the opportunity to interchange impressions with Mrs. Ferrero-Waldner, who also transmitted the support of the European Commission to the establishment, in Barcelona, of the Secretariat for the Union for the Mediterranean.

AFAEMME Begins Working in Mediterranean Project with Several of its Members

Published by P. Horvath, December 2nd, 2008, Barcelona (Spain)

On November 24th, representatives of AFAEMME and of several of its member organisations got together in Marseille, France for the start-up workshop of the MED FRANCHISE project, an initiative endorsed by the ANIMA Investment Network and led by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia /Ljubljana Regional Chamber.

The MED FRANCHISE project tries to develop the participation of businesswomen organizations in the process of exchange of partnership initiatives by using the model of franchises as a tool of international cooperation, business exchange and Foreign Direct Investment towards the Mediterranean region. Between its main activities several partner meetings have been planned to analyze how franchises are working in the region and to define the work priorities. These meetings will lead to the generation of a study on the industries and sectors that operate with franchises throughout the Mediterranean and their potential in the future and the organization of Mediterranean BtoB meetings. Apart from these activities, a thematic workshop on franchises will be held in Morocco – organised by AFAEM, the Association of Businesswomen of Morocco, one of AFAEMME members. Apart from AFEM, two other members of our network are taking part on this project: the Jordan Forum for Business & Professional Women (JFPBW) and the Egyptian Business Women Association (EBWA).

For more information on this project, please click here.

Partner meeting held in Marseille, France: Mrs. Beatriz Fdz.-Tubau, Legal Adviser of AFAEMME, Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe, President of AFAEMME, Mrs. Rania Khatib, Executive Manager of the Jordan Forum for Business & Professional Women; Ms. Tamara Turk, of GIZ PODJETNOST; Mrs. Imane Mourabiti, Responsible for Quality Management of the Assocation of Businesswomen of Moroco (AFEM) and Mrs. Marta Turk, President of the Ljubljana Regional Chamber of Commerce.

AFAEMME participates in the III National Congress for the Rationalisation of Working Hours in Spain

Published by P. Horvath, November 21st, 2008, Barcelona (Spain)

On November 18th, Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe Lehtonen, President of AFAEMME and Mrs. Beatriz Fdz.-Tubau, Legal Advisor of AFAEMME, participated, representing our organisation in the III National Congress for the Rationalisation of Working Hours in Spain. The event, which was held in Tarragona, Spain was organised by the Department of Labour of the Government of Catalonia and the Association for the Rationalisation of Working Hours in Spain, ARHOE.

Today, many European countries have recognised the needs and benefits of promoting a change in the work culture, in order to take into account the different facets of a person’s life. These countries have begun to bet in a model that allows the conciliation of work and family lives, giving answers that are better adapted to the real requirements of people, model which is considered the most satisfactory for society as a whole.

The President of the National Commission for the Rationalisation of Working Hours in Spain, Mr. Ignacio Buqueras,; with Mrs. Rosemboom, Mrs. Viñas, Mrs. de Felipe and Mrs. Fdez-Tubau, in the Palacio de Congresos of Tarragona.

Barcelona chosen as base of the Union for the Mediterranean

Published by P. Horvath, November 12th, 2008, Barcelona (Spain)

The Foreign Ministers of 43 countries from the European Union, the Balkans, North Africa and the Middle East agreed to base the new Secretariat of the Union for the Mediterranean in Barcelona, Spain.

The meeting, held in Marseille between November 3rd and 4th, was centred in discussing the new institutional governance of the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean, which from now on will be called Union for the Mediterranean". Barcelona was chosen to allow the partners of both shores of the Mediterranean to work better together to face common challenges. The selected project areas on which the partners will work in priority include the de-pollution of the Mediterranean, maritime and land highways, civil protection, alternative energies and the Mediterranean Solar Plan, higher education and research, the Mediterranean Business Development Initiative.

AFAEMME championed Barcelona’s candidature by submitting a letter of support to the European Commission Representation in Barcelona. This support was jointly agreed upon during AFAEMME’s Annual Assembly held in Barcelona last September.

AFAEMME at the International Congress of Female Directors "She Leader 2.0"

II MEDA Women Entrepreneurs Forum, Beirut (Lebanon)

Mrs. Eva-Britt Svensson, President of the European Parliament Women's Rights and Gender Equality Committee, at the V meeting of the European Network of Women in Decision-making in Politics and the Economy

President of the Global Summit of Women and Chair of Corporate Women Directors International, Mrs. Irene Natividad, in the European Network of Women in Decision-making in Politics and the Economy

1st MEDA Women Entrepreneurs Forum held in Barcelona last November 5th and 6th

AFAEMME’s General Assembly and Elections and the 1st MEDA Women Entrepreneurs Forum will be held in Barcelona in November

AFAEMME launches the project “Nosaltres Empresàries” directed to the consolidation of companies created and headed by women

AFAEMME held in Madrid the 2nd Seminar-Workshop "Adding Value, Breaking Stereotypes"

Last May 13th, AFAEMME held the 2nd seminar-workshop of the project "Adding Value, Breaking Stereotypes". The data presented in the event confirmed that the implementation of gender equality plans is a viable option for SMEs in times of economic crisis.

AFAEMME organized the event with the collaboration of the Spanish Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Madrid (ASEME-Madrid) and the Organization of Women Entrepreneurs and Active Management (OMEGA) this workshop which had the support of the Spanish Ministry of Education, Social Policy and Sports.

The inauguration and opening of the seminar-workshop was made by Mrs. María José Pérez-Cejuela, the General Director for Women of the Autonomous Community of Madrid, that reminded that the achievement of gender equality in the workplace is one of the main objectives of the European Commission, which invests in projects that serve as a roadmap so that "national and local governments can implement new policies to improve the situation of men and women in business, promote women's access to leadership positions and to establish the reconciliation of working life and staff."

Ms. Perez-Cejuela also spoke of the need for local governments to assist SMEs in their autonomous region in the implementation of equality plans, as there is a legal obligation, "to be set aside by a culture of equality in the workplace and secondly, to make them more competitive”. Furthermore, Ms. Perez-Cejuela stressed the role of business associations as AFAEMME, OMEGA and ASEMME as "fundamental to the government" because "through its efforts and fight the Governments have the projects more clear" because they serve as a source of information to diagnose what the industry needs of the society that they took them and, secondly, help the development and implementation of new laws such as the Gender Equality Act.

The launching and presentation of the event was made by Mrs. M ª Helena de Felipe Lehtonen, President of AFAEMME and Mrs. Inmaculada Álvarez Morillas, President of ASEME Madrid and OMEGA. Ms. de Felipe talked about that in the last 50 years there has been many achievements on gender equality at the social level and especially at work but stressed that there are still two inequalities which need to be overcome. These include the pay gap between men and women and the other is the low representation of women in decision-making processes and economic policies. Mrs. de Felipe Lehtonen also spoke of the importance of "networking", "to create social networks among women to work issues and even personal issues such as family, health, leisure, etc.. Men do what they have done for years, to diagnose what the needs of women and see how we can help and support between us." She also emphasized the need for women to learn to interact in the labour and political power to make their needs or solutions and also to position itself.

Apart from this, Ms. Elizabeth Villagomez Morales, AFAEMME’s Expert on Gender and Enterprise, presented to the audience the results of research on the benefits of gender equality and other issues, and economic information from sources such as the Financial Times, which provided information that shows that firms ran by women are better positioned in the market compared to those ran by men and more in this year's crisis, since women stopped the buying spree.

Finally Ms. Villagomez Morales, gave a series of practical tools to enhance the capabilities of companies in their struggle to eliminate gender discrimination in the workplace what the guide so that attendees can teach this workshop in their respective associations or companies.

In the picture above we can find: from left to right: Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe Lehtonen, President of AFAEMME; Mrs. María José Pérez-Cejuela, the General Director for Women of the Autonomous Community of Madrid; Mrs. Inmaculada Álvarez Morillas, President of ASEME Madrid and OMEGA and Ms. Elizabeth Villagomez Morales, AFAEMME’s Expert on Gender and Enterprise.

Third Meeting of the EC’s Network of Women in Decision-making in Politics and Economy

Last April, 3rd the European Commission’s Network of Women in Decision-making in Politics and Economy held its third meeting in Brussels, and Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe, President of AFAEMME, participated in the event as a member of the network.

At the beginning of the meeting Mrs. Belinda Pyke, Director of the DG for Employment, Social Policy and Equal Opportunities of the European Commission introduced to the group the new Head of Unit of the Department of Equality between Women and Men, Mrs. Daniela Bankier, who will be replacing Ms. Fay Devonic in this position.

The Meeting’s main objective was to discuss how the use of female role models can increase the number of women actively participating in decision-making posts. Apart from this debate, it was also discussed the importance of promoting participation – between the members of women organisations – in the upcoming Elections to the European Parliament, which will be held between 4th and 7th June 2009. The European Commission is fully committed to supporting the information campaign launched by the European Parliament, facing the challenge to inform all the citizens of their right to vote and stand as candidates, promoting particularly, the participation of women across the European Union.

The next meeting of the EC’s Network will also take place in Brussels, on June 15th and 16th, within the framework of a large scale Conference which will examine the positioning of women in decision-making posts in Politics and the Economy.

In the picture above, standing from left to right: Mrs. Sophia Economacos, President of Eurochambers’ Women’s Commission; Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe, President of AFAEMME; Mrs. Daniela Bankier, Head of Unit of the Department of Equality between Women and Men; Mrs. Bola Olabisi, Director, European Women Inventors and Innovators Network; Mrs. Myriam Schevernals, from Femanet Eurocadres

AFAEMME organizes in Barcelona the Seminar-Workshop "Adding Value, Breaking Stereotypes"

On February 19th AFAEMME held the Seminar-Workshop "Adding Value, Breaking Stereotypes" in Barcelona. Two base lines were targeted in this event: gender equality related to business profits and gender equality as a competitive advantage in Europe.

The event was inaugurated by AFAEMME’s President, Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe Lehtonen, who animated the assistants to rely on the Association of Mediterranean Businesswomen as their spokesperson and as a representative of gender equality projects in the labour market. AFAEMME works as a platform for gender projects where its member associations can find an effective way to invigorate their enterprise organizations and can thus transmit good business practices taken under the gender perspective.

The President of FEPIME Catalunya (the Federation of Employers of the Small and Medium Enterprise of Catalonia), Mr. Eusebi Cima i Mollet, made an introduction of the event and declared that “nowadays it is no longer so necessary to convince company managers that gender equality is economically profitable for their business, as the dynamic and evolution of the labour market has shown them - in a very obvious way mainly in the SMEs of Catalonia - that the incorporation of women in the labour market has been very positive and that the application of equality policies leads to employees producing in a much more profitable way for the company”.

Mrs. Carme Sanchez Martín, Director of the Unit of Promotion and Development of the Directorate of Equality of Opportunities at Work of the Government of Catalonia, commented that even though at present much has been achieved in this area, it is necessary to continue working because there are still male directives that are sceptics of data that reveal that gender equality is economically beneficial. “At present one only needs to pay attention to companies that are above others in terms of competitiveness and benefits; those are the companies that are applying gender and diversity policies. This is important because there are women who, in addition to gender discrimination, also suffer because they have some sort of handicap“.

The Seminar-Workshop counted, in addition, with a presentation given by Mrs. Beatriz Fdez-Tubau Rodés, Legal Adviser of AFAEMME, who spoke about the “Legal Environment of Gender Equality”. Apart form this, Mrs. Elizabeth Villagómez Morals, Gender and Business Expert of AFAEMME, spoke about the economic arguments in favour of gender equality, presented a series of business tools to work towards equality and conciliation of family and work life and organised a group dynamic to understand how gender stereotypes work. During the exercises that Mrs. Villagómez developed, the assistants were able to make a diagnosis on the main stereotypes that exist in the labour world, which prevent company managers from obtaining the maximum advantages of their group.

AFAEMME provided the assistants with the necessary tools and materials so that they replicate this seminar in their own companies, institutions or associations and thus contribute to the diffusion of the tools presented to them, tools which help SMEs detect the special talents of each one of their employees, regardless of their gender, and take the most advantage of its working group.

The next Seminar-Workshop “Adding Value, Breaking Stereotypes” will take place in Madrid in the month of May (date and place to confirm).

New Dissemination Project on Gender Stereotypes in Spanish SMEs

AFAEMME has recently launched in Spain the information campaign for its project “Agregando Valor, Rompiendo Estereotipos (Add Value, Break Stereotypes)”, which will be executed until August 2009.

The project, which is financed by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Social Policies and Sport, will disseminate data regarding the situation of women in the labour market and the existence of gender stereotypes in Spanish Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the economic impact that these stereotypes have in different economic sectors.

Apart from this, the project plans to execute two workshops in Barcelona and Madrid to inform its target audience about the European and Spanish legislation regarding equality in the labour market, the economic benefits that SMEs can obtain when fighting gender stereotypes and will present, as well, a set of tools to help companies improve their capacity to gender discrimination in the labour scope.

The workshops will be imparted by AFAEMME experts, including Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe Lehtonen, President of AFAEMME; Dr. Elizabeth Villagómez, AFAEMME’s Gender and Business Expert and by Mrs. Beatriz Fdz.-Tubáu Rodés, AFAEMME’s Legal Advisor.

The information disseminated by this project is based on the reports generated by EU commissioned project “Break gender stereotypes, give talent a chance”, which held its closing conference in Brussels, on November 2008. Information on this project can be found here.

For more information on the project “Agregando Valor, Rompiendo Estereotipos” please visit this link.

AFAEMME signs Cooperation Agreement with ASCAME

On November 12th AFAEMME signed a cooperation agreement with ASCAME, the Association of the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry, within the framework of ASCAME’s XIX General Assembly and the celebration of the organisation’s 25th Anniversary, events which were held in Barcelona, Spain.

The agreement, which was signed by Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe, President of AFAEMME and MR. Murat Yalçintas, President of ASCAME, ensures a platform from which both organisations will be able to develop projects of common interest. The ASCAME believes that economic growth in the Mediterranean region will contribute to creating an area of peace, tolerance, security and prosperity and in the words of Mr. Yalçintas their goal is ”…commerce for peace; commerce for mutual understanding; commerce for cooperation between civilisations”.

ASCAME’s General Assembly was chaired by H.R.H. Felipe de Borbón and H.R.H. Leticia Ortiz, Prince and Princess of Asturias and Girona.

AFAEMME takes part in ASCAME’s Women Entrepreneurs Commission

AFAEMME, represented by Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe, has begun working in the Commission on Women Entrepreneurs of ASCAEME, the Association of the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

The Commission, which is presided by Mrs. Najoua Attia, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Cap Bon, held its first meeting on November 11th within the framework of ASCAME’s XIX General Assembly and the celebration of the organisation’s 25th Anniversary. The Commission’s main objective is to prepare different action plans that will favour Mediterranean Women Entrepreneurs that are expected to be launched in 2009.

ASCAME is an Organisation with a membership of more than 200 Chambers of Commerce, and other associated entities, from 22 countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. It was created with the primary goal of furthering economic cooperation throughout the Mediterranean region, expressing a strategic vision of North-South cooperation and integration. This vision was confirmed by the creayion of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership in 1995 through the “Barcelona Process” and has been validated today by the “Union for the Mediterranean”.

AFAEMME Supports the Creation of the CREMed – the Research Institute of Euro-Mediterranean Economics

On November 7th the Counsellor of Universities, Innovation and Enterprise of Catalonia, Mr. Josep Huguet, presided the presentation of the CREMed, an institute of upper studies on the economy of the Euro-Mediterranean region. The CREMed, which will work as a training centre, was created as an initiative of the IEMed – the Institut Europeu de la Mediterranía – and the Barcelona Graduate School of Economics and was supported by AFAEMME.

The inauguration of the Centre was celebrated with a Conference given by Mr. Mustapha Nabli, Chief Economist of the World Bank for the region.

III Hispanic Moroccan Forum of Businesswomen

On October 28th and 29th the Association of Businesswomen and Women Professionals of Cadiz (AMEP) hosted the III Hispanic Moroccan Forum of Businesswomen in Cadiz, Spain. The event counted with presence of more than one hundred businesswomen from both sides of the Mediterranean and of several distinguished speakers who contributed with their knowledge and experience in the attainment of the event's main objective, the reinforcement of the cooperation between Spain and Morocco.

The opening Conference was given by Mr. José Miguel Zaldo, President of the Hispanic-Moroccan Business Committee of the CEOE, the Spanish Confederation of Business Organisations. On the following day representatives of the Chambers of Commerce of Cadiz, Tetuan, Tanger, as well as several business investors shared their experiences on investing in Morocco.

The Forum had a special significance to AFAEMME as it presented a chance to strengthen the bonds between its Spanish and Moroccan members through a collaboration agreement signed by Mrs. Ana Alonso, President of AMEP and of the Andalucian Federation of Businesswomen – FAME, organisation member of AFAEMME; and Mrs. Fouzia Tarik, Regional President of the Association of Businesswomen of Morocco - AFEM, also member of AFAEMME.

Mrs. Fouzia Tarik, Regional President of the Association of Businesswomen of Morocco – AFEM and Mrs. Ana Alonso, President of AMEP and of the Andalucian Federation of Businesswomen – FAME.

AFAEMME Becomes Member of the ANIMA Investment Network

Last June 30th AFAEMME become a member of ANIMA Investment Network.

ANIMA is a multi-country platform supporting the economic development of the Mediterranean. The network gathers around 40 governmental agencies and international networks and aims to contribute to a better investment and business climate and to the growth of capital flows into the Mediterranean region.

AFAEMME participates in the European Parliament’s Citizen’s AGORA on Climate Change

AFAEMME was invited; once again, to the European Parliament’s Citizen’s AGORA held in Brussels on June 12th and 13th. This year’s Agora was centred on climate change, one of the major challenges facing our societies.

The event gathered 500 representatives from the European civil society who discussed, in 5 separate workshops, different facets of this challenge, including the resources needed and the possible techniques that should be used to cope with this issue, as well as the economic impact of climate change. After the two work days, five papers were generated, one for each workshop, which summarized the debates and presented the range of options that emerged from the discussions. The papers were presented during the plenary and the last press conference of this year’s Agora.

AFAEMME was represented in the event by Paola Horvath, AFAEMME’s Project Coordinator, and was also attended by Mrs. Flutura Xhabija, AFAEMME’s Treasurer.

For more information on the topics discussed in the Agora, please click here.

Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission
in the European Parliament’s Citizen’s AGORA

Mª Helena de Felipe is Elected Vice-President of OMEGA

OMEGA, Spain’s Organisation of Businesswomen and Active Management, held its Ordinary General Assembly last June 4th. As a member of OMEGA, AFAEMME was represented in the event by Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe, who was elected Vice-President of OMEGA for a period of four years.

OMEGA, which was founded on December 1989 as non profit organisation, is an intersectorial national business confederation that brings together more than 6.000 associates from all Spain, including Associations, Federations and Business Organisations.

AFAEMME participates in the First Meeting of the EC’s Network of Women in Decision-making in Politics and Economy

On June 2nd Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe participated in the first meeting of the European Commission’s Network of Women in Decision-making in Politics and Economy. The network is an initiative of the EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Mr. Vladimir Spidla and it involves 15 other European organizations belonging to the EU27. It is expected that the work experience and the reputation of the organisations participating in this project will contribute to achieving gender balance in decision-making, breaking down the existing barriers to women’s career progress and giving them a higher visibility and profile.

Mr. Vladimir Spidla

AFAEMME Signs Agreement with Banc Sabadell

Last March AFAEMME signed a collaboration agreement with Banc Sabadell of Spain which offers important benefits for all its member organisations and their own members.

Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe Lehtonen, Mrs. Gemma Amat (Director of Colectives of Banc Sabadell) and Mrs. Beatriz Fdez-Tubau Rodés

The EC Launches the Enterprise Europe Network

Last February, the European Commission’s Vice President Mr. Günter Verheugen launched Enterprise Europe Network, a new and powerful European support network for enterprises. All major players of the business support community in Europe have united to offer a one-stop service to assist especially small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop their full potential and innovative capacity. The Enterprise Europe Network includes more than 500 contact points for entrepreneurs in Europe. They provide a full range of support services in close proximity to SMEs covering the whole EU territory and going even beyond. Participants at the launch event included Janez Potocnik, Commissioner for Science and Research, Slovenian Minister of Economy Andrej Vizjak, the President of the Committee of Regions Luc Van den Brande and the President of the Group of Employers of the EESC Henri Malosse, Presidents of business organisations and representatives of SMEs.

Commission Vice-President Günter Verheugen responsible for enterprise and industry policy said: “The new Enterprise Europe Network is a milestone in the Commission's integrated policy for promoting entrepreneurship and growth of enterprises in Europe. I call on all entrepreneurs in the EU and beyond to use it to the best of their needs".

Committee of Regions President Luc Van den Brande said: “The Committee of the Regions fully supports the initiative because it is an example of Europe working in partnership. Regions and cities are Europe's engines of growth and jobs and real engagement with SMEs has to take place on their doorstep to be effective.”

European Social and Economic Committee President, Dimitris Dimitriadis said: “Entrepreneurship is the key for Europe to facing the challenges of globalisation, creating new jobs and innovation. Therefore is the launch of this Enterprise Europe Network an important step in the right direction."

Enterprise Europe Network combines the strengths of the previous Euro Info Centre with the Innovation Relay Centre networks. With the new network, business receives ‘Business Support on Your Doorstep’, as the slogan suggests. The ‘No wrong door’ principle will apply for the whole network and for each network partner. All SMEs will receive information and a personalised service tailored to their needs, making best use of modern technologies and from every organisation in the new network.

The new Enterprise Europe Network is part of the Commission's integrated policy for promoting entrepreneurship and growth of enterprises in Europe. It will support SMEs from all sectors to take greater advantage of the opportunities of the Single Market.

Mr. Gunter Verheugen, Vice President of the European Commission

AFAEMME becomes member of the EC’s Network of Women in Decision-making in Politics and the Economy

AFAEMME has been chosen, with 15 other European organizations belonging to the EU27, to work in the European Commission's “Network of Women in Decision-making in Politics and the Economy”, which forms part of the Institute for Gender Equality, due to our organisation’s vast experience and reputation. The invitation was extended by Mr. Vladimir Spidla, Commissioner responsible for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, by Ms. Fay Devonic, Head of Unit "Equality between Women and Men" and by Mrs. Fátima Ribeiro, also from this Directorate General.

During the following two years, Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe Lehtonen, President of AFAEMME, will participate in several meetings that will discuss the advances made in gender equality in the economic area and to make proposals about solutions that could help increase equality in decision-making levels in companies.

Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe Letonen, President of AFAEMME

Meeting in Madrid of the Spanish Members of AFAEMME

The Spanish Members of AFAEMME met last March 11th in Madrid during a meeting held by OMEGA, the National Organization of Businesswomen and Active Management of Spain, to discuss the different activities being done by each organisation.

The meeting was attended by Mrs. Joana Pons, President of ASEME - Balearic Islands; Mrs. Mercedes Delgado, President of the Association of Businesswomen of Valencia; Mrs. Cristina Claveria, President of the Association of Catalan Businesswomen and Executives; Mrs. Inmaculada Alvarez, President of OMEGA and the President of AFAEMME Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe Lehtonen among other representatives of OMEGA.

From left to right: Mrs. Pons (ASEME-Baleares), Mrs. De Felipe (AFAEMME) and Mrs. Alvarez (OMEGA).

Meeting with the International Relations Commission of CEOE in Madrid

On March 11th, 2008 Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe, President of AFAEMME, met Mr. Lacasa, President of the International Relations Commission of CEOE (the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations) and with the members of this Commission Mr. Bocos and Mrs. Rivera, with the purpose of interchanging experiences and future forms of collaboration.

Mr. Bocos, Mr. Lacasa, Mrs. De Felipe and Mrs. Rivera

AFAEMME sets up a Web page on the work opportunities for young women in the ICT sector

During the Closing Conference of the Project “Women and Job Mobility: Obstacles and Solutions for Women in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Sector”, AFAEMME presented a new section of its Web page www.womemobility.org on work opportunities for young women in the ICT sector. The Conference, organized by the International Training Centre of the ILO, took place in Turin, Italy and counted with the presence of Mrs. Nancy Pascall, Gender Policy Officer of the Directorate of Components and Systems of the European Commission, Mrs. Brito-Marie Södenberg, representative of Winnet Europe; Mrs. Paola Mastromarino of the Department of Gender of Telecomitalia Media; Mrs. Giovanna Boschis, representative of APID (Associazione delle Piccole Imprese Donna), Mrs. Clara Collarile, Former General Director of the Office for Intervention in Economic and Social Matters of the Ministry for Equal Opportunities of Italy; Mrs. Marina Larios, representative of Witec and Mrs. Benedetta Magri, Coordinator of the Gender Unit of the ITC-ILO, between other important figures.

In the event, Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe Lehtonen, President of AFAEMME, made a brief presentation of AFAEMME’s role as a European project platform on gender equality and Mrs. Elizabeth Villagómez, AFAEMME’s Gender Expert, explained how to use the new section of the ww.womemobility.org Webpage where one can make inquiries on work opportunities for young women in the ICT sector, on the qualities necessary to develop a career in the ICT sector TIC and on the present situation of the sector in Spain, Italy and Ireland.

Mrs. De Felipe will participate in the first Citizens´ Agora which will take place in the European Parliament

Mrs. De Felipe Lehtonen, President of AFAEMME, has been invited by Mr. Gert - Pöttering, President of the European Parliament to participate in the first Citizens´ Agora which will take place on 8 and 9 November 2007 in the European Parliament in Brussels. Following immediately after Lisbon European Summit, this event, focused on the Future of Europe, is designed as an occasion for civil society to make itself heard.

The activities of this Agora will centre around two plenary sessions and two meetings of five workshops (Tasks-Rights-Tools-Borders-Horizons). All the European public will of course be able to follow all the debates during the Agora live on Parliament´s internet site: www.europarl.europa.eu

AFAEMME’s Annual Assembly

On September 18th AFAEMME celebrated its General Annual Assembly in Barcelona, Spain.

After holding the Assembly, the participants discussed some of the different topics that affect Small and Medium Enterprises, such as the current global economic crisis, the possible solutions that can be found to confront its challenges and new forms of entrepreneurial development that can be approached.

Apart from the above, the members present in this meeting supported the proposal that each member Organization informs the President about ideas, possible measures and projects oriented to increase the participation of women in decision-making positions in the economy.

AFAEMME’s next Annual Assembly will be hosted by the Lebanese Business Women Association (LBWA) in Beirut, Lebanon on May 2009, expecting that certain conditions are met to organize the event there.

First Meeting of the EC’s Network of Women in Decision-making in Politics and Economy

The European Commission’s Network of Women in Decision-making in Politics and Economy, which is an initiative of the EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Mr. Vladimir Spidla, comprise the Chairs of existing European-level networks active in promoting the advancement of women and, in particular, the promotion of women in decision-making positions.

AFAEMME, as a member of the network, was represented by its President, Mrs. Maria Helena de Felipe, in the first meeting of the Network held in Brussels on June 2nd, 2008. Charing the meeting was Mr. Spidla; Mrs. Gurmai, Vice-Chairman for the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality; Mrs. Pyke, Director for Equality between Women and Men, Action against Discrimination, Civil Society; Mrs. Devonic, Head of Unit - DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Unit "Equality between Women and Men" and Mrs. Ribeiro, Policy Officer of the DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Unit "Equality between Women and Men".

The European Commission’s Network added-value lies in its potential to facilitate partnerships and synergies between existing European networks and all stakeholders, and in particular decision-makers. The work experience of the sixteen Organisations members and their reputation will contribute to achieving gender balance in decision-making, breaking down the existing barriers to women’s career progress and giving them a higher visibility and profile.

As a network of networks, the Commission's Network provides a platform for European-level cooperation, exchange of information and experience, debate, mutual learning, and sharing of good practice with a view to promoting gender balance in decision-making at all levels and overcoming obstacles to women’s career progress.

At present, women account only for 24% of members of national parliaments and governments in Europe. And in the private sector, men still represent 9 out 10 board members in Europe blue-chip companies. The discrepancy is widest at the very top: only 3% of these companies have a woman presiding over the highest decision-making body.

AFAEMME and the other members of the network will now have to reflect on the best strategies and practice to make progress on this issue, in particular in politics and the private sector.

The next meeting will be at the en d of the year in Brussels and the Network will present its first results in 2009, highlighting examples of best practice and summarising the exchanges and debates between the members of the Network.

List of members of the European Network of Women in Decision-making in Politics and the Economy

• Jocelyne Bougeard, President, Committee of Women Elected Representatives of Local and Regional Authorities (Council of European Municipalities and Regions)
• Gabriella Canonica, Regional Coordinator, BPW Europe, Business and Professional Women – Europe
• Helena de Felipe Lehtonen, President, Association of Organisations of Mediterranean Businesswomen
• Sophia Economacos, President, Eurochambres Women's Network
• Adelheid Ehmke, President, European Platform of Women Scientists
• Gisèle Gautier, Representative of the Network of Parliamentary Committees for Equal Opportunities for Women and Men in the European Union
• Marianne Karlberg, Co-ordinator, European Network to Promote Women's Entrepreneurship
• Kirsti Kolthoff, President, European Women's Lobby
• Leena Linnainmaa, President, European Women's Lawyers Association
• Sonja Lokar, Coordinator for the South East Europe Office, CEE Network for Gender Issues
• Bola Olabisi, Director, European Women Inventors and Innovators Network
• Tina Reisenbichler, President, European Women's Management Development International Network
• Slavica Uzelac, Project Coordinator, Femanet - Eurocadres
• Mirella Visser, President, European Professional Women's Network
• Aude Zieseniss de Thuin, President, Women's Forum for the Economy and the Society

To see more pictures of the event please click here.

For more information on the topic, please see the following documents:

• Report "Women and men in decision-making 2007 – analysis of the situation and trends"
• Database on women in decision-making:
• Commission's Roadmap for Equality between women and men (2006-2010)

Moroccan female entrepreneurs visited Barcelona

AFAEMME organises a networking agenda for Moroccan female entrepreneurs visiting Barcelona

From April 7th to April 10th nine female entrepreneurs from AFEM, the Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Morocco, a member of AFAEMME, visited Barcelona to participate in a series of networking activities.

AFAEMME prepared a networking agenda thanks to which the entrepreneurs held meetings with businesswomen of Catalonia, interviews which resulted in some cases in successful businesses affaires.

We were very happy to assist them in their business endeavours and we hope that in the near future we can organise a trip of Spanish businesswomen to Morocco who will be able to profit from a similar experience.

To see more pictures of the event, please click here.

EUROPEAN PROJECT OF WOMEN AND JOB MOBILITY INTERNATIONAL CLOSING CONFERENCE

The International Training Centre of the ILO, AFAEMME and SIPTU are pleased to invite you to participate in the European Project of Women and Job Mobility International Closing Conference that will take place in Turin on 21 February 2008.

The conference deals with the mobility of women in the ITC sector. In particular, the purpose is twofold: to discuss the actual role of women in the ITC sector and to outline new job opportunities for women in the ICT sector.

AFAEMME has been working during all last year 2007 in a project focused on two clusters: women and Information and Communication Technologies. The idea was to address the female population in the European labour market in order to produce leverage on workers mobility. At the same time, focusing on women and on a specific subject of economic growth (Lisboan Strategy-Knowledge economy) a multiple effect on job mobility can be obtained.

The project propose refers to the increasing of the job mobility of women in the TICs at large, trying to combine a more dynamic labour market in the TIC sector and the empowerment of high skill component of the female European labour market.

For this project, AFAEMME has been developed a specific section on the website on www.womemobility.org of a promotional and informative type on job opportunities for young women in TIC and what can be done to overcome the obstacles they find.

European statistics on education show that women enter the labour market with higher education levels than men. Since this has been the case for 20 years, a parallel increase in women doing qualified jobs could be expected.

However, women remain a minority in highly qualified, well paid jobs. The statistics show that the situation is different in the ICT sector, where there are increasing numbers of women in management positions (far more than in the industrial sector). This strongly suggests that the ICT sector offers great professional opportunities for women.

The conference intends to deepen this analysis by looking at women’s role in the ICT sector, their mobility within it, and new ICT job opportunities that draw on women’s professionalism.

At the Conference AFAEMME also present the new projects for this year 2008 that will carry out in partnership with the ILO and EUROCHAMBRE. This new project called: “Raising the awareness of companies about combating gender stereotypes” is to help private sector companies, in particular SMEs and in all sectors, to better understand the benefits of combating gender stereotypes, and improve their ability to act.

AFAEMME sets up a Web page on the work opportunities for young women in the ICT sector

Closing Conference of the Project “Women and Job Mobility: Obstacles and Solutions for Women in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Sector”

On February 21st AFAEMME presented the new section that is being developed in its Web page www.womenmobility.org on work opportunities for young women in the ICT sector.

During the Closing Conference of the Project “Women and Job Mobility: Obstacles and Solutions for Women in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Sector” that took place in Turin (Italy) in the conference room of the International Training Centre of the ILO in Turin (Italy), AFAEMME presented a new virtual tool that will help increase the number of existing women in the ICT sector.

Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe Lehtonen, President of AFAEMME, made a brief presentation of AFAEMME’s role as a European project platform on gender equality and Mrs. Elizabeth Villagómez, AFAEMME’s Gender Expert, explained how to use the new section of the www.womenmobility.org Webpage where one can make inquiries on work opportunities for young women in the ICT sector, on the qualities necessary to develop a career in the ICT sector TIC and on the present situation of the sector in Spain, Italy and Ireland.

The event was divided in three blocks. In the first one, the objectives of the conference were exposed as well as analysing the role of women in the ICT sector; in the second block the new labour perspective for women in the ICT sector were presented, perspectives which were reflected in the Web page http://ict.womenmobility.org and in the third and last block the conclusions and recommendations reached in the project were exposed.

Mrs. Monica Rossi and Mr. Enrico Tezza, representatives of the International Training Centre of the ILO, said that the purpose of the project “Women and Job Mobility: Obstacles and Solutions for Women in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Sector”, which was co-financed by the European Commission, was to rise awareness on institutions and social actors so that they can take measures that favour the professional mobility of women within the information and the communication technologies (ICT) sector.

Between the main objectives of the project it was emphasized the "identification of the obstacles that limit the participation of women in the ICT sector and that prevent the development of a career within the sector and the study of the social abilities necessary to be successful in sector", problems that many women face.

Mr. Eddie Higgins, representative of the Services, Industrial, Professional and Technical Union of Ireland, SIPTU, conclude that "it is a reality that there are few women who work in the ICT sector and it is necessary to foment their presence in this sector". For this reason it is necessary to focus on young women, as the main target, as they are most prone to stuffy engineering careers nowadays and are more familiarized with the ICT sector. He commented that the main obstacle that women face to develop a career in the ICT sector is the same one that in other sectors: the difficulty of conciliating labour and personal life, and more in a sector in which labour mobility is necessary to obtain continuous training in different countries.

For that reason, companies in the ICT sector, more than in any other, have to facilitate labour mobility programs: housing searching services in the new destiny country, the facilitation of information on the cultural customs of the country, schools search services for the children (if there were any), good economic compensation, etc.

Nowadays it is necessary to use the new technologies so it is easier for both men and women to conciliate labour and personal life. Internet offers a handful of options to work from a distance with no need to physically be in the office. This requires a commitment of trust, from the business owner, and of responsibility, from the worker.

The event also counted with the presence of Mrs. Nancy Pascall, Gender Policy Officer of the Directorate of Components and Systems of the European Commission, who said that "the number of women in careers such as engineering continues to be very low". Mrs. Brito-Marie Södenberg, representative of Winnet Europe proposed as a solution to the data facilitated by Mrs. Pascall that children should be educated in equality since primary school "to abolish the gender differences it is necessary to begin to educate well in primary school. It is necessary to educate in equality. And the second step is to eliminate stereotypes in the work place".

On the other hand, Prof. Vittorio Cappecci, professor of the University of Bologna, said that: "it has to be to proposed, in primary schools, mathematics and physics education systems that are applied practical things in order to create interest in students and to foment that in the future they decide to study careers related to the ICT sector ".

The event was also attended by the representative of the Department of Gender of Telecomitalia Media, Mrs. Paola Mastromarino; the representative of APID (Associazione delle Piccole Imprese Donna), Mrs. Giovanna Boschis; Mrs. Clara Collarile, Former General Director of the Office for Intervention in Economic and Social Matters of the Ministry for Equal Opportunities of Italy; Mrs. Marina Larios, representative of Witec and Mrs. Benedetta Magri, Coordinator of the Gender Unit of the ITC-ILO.

AFAEMME concludes with this event the project that has been developing throughout all 2007.

Its new project, that will be develop in partnership with International Training Centre of the ILO and EUROCHAMBRES throughout 2008, is called: "Add Value, Break Stereotypes” tries to help the companies of the private sector, in particular small and medium businesses of all the sectors, to understand the benefits of fighting gender stereotypes in the business market.

You can find more pictures of the event in: http://www.afaemme.org/photo.php

AFAEMME was named member of the Commission of International Relations of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Navigation of Barcelona

AFAEMME was named member of the Commission of International Relations of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Navigation of Barcelona by Mrs. Miquel Valls I Maseda, President of the organization, during the last Plenary of the Corporation.

Mª Helena de Felipe Lehtonen meets in Barcelona with the President of the Association of Businesswomen of Morocco (AFEM)

The President of AFAEMME received last 25th July Mrs. Bouthayna Iraqui Houssaini, President of Afem and one of the Vice-presidents of AFAEMME, and Mrs. Saloua Karkri Belkeziz, Honorary President of AFEM Foundation.

The Presidents of both associations and the Honorary President of Afem met to review the activities of the present projects that they are carrying out together. They also discussed the means to fortify the collaboration bonds that unite AFAEMME with the association of the neighbouring country in order to continue working together to promote the incorporation of women in the Moroccan labour market.

Mrs. de Felipe Lehtonen participated in the “Second Congress of Women’s Business from the Adriatic and Ionio Area”

The President of AFAEMME, Mrs. de Felipe Lehtonen, participated in the “Second Congress of Women’s Business from the Adriatic and Ionio Area” that took place in Ancona (Italy) from May 30th to 31st May.

The event was a good opportunity to exchange ideas about the situation of businesswomen in the European labour market and to analyse the new labour markets that offer the best opportunities for businesswomen.

Mrs. De Felipe spoke about AFAEMME´s past projects on women mobility, gender stereotypes in the European labour market and about the project that AFAEMME is carrying out this year for the European Commission in partnership with the I.L.O. (International Labour Organisation) entitled “ Women and job mobility: obstacles and solutions for women in the Information and Communications Technologies (ITCs)”

This project is focused on women and ITC and addresses the female population in the European labour market in order to produce an increase on worker’s mobility. At the same time, it focuses on women as a specific subject of economic growth, trying to combine the high skill component of the female European labour market.

In the context of this project AFAEMME will develop a specific section on their web side www.womenmobility.org on job opportunities for young women in ITC and what can be done to overcome the obstacles they find.

The President of AFEMME also explained that the main aim to AFAEMME was: “to coordinate the efforts of the various Mediterranean Businesswomen’s entities, promoting common activities and projects in order to increase their rank and effectiveness in the business world; to influence public opinion through presentations, events, campaigns directed at National Authorities and Institutions, to establish the role of women in business and to encourage and assist in the creation of structures such as coalitions and policies, to strengthen the participation of women in economic life, providing better business relations and gender equality”.

Mrs. De Felipe so gave the thanks to Mrs. Gorajski, Director of entrepreneurship and women labour market of the Chamber of Commerce, for had invited her and gave the opportunity to participate in that important event.

The counsellor of Presidency of the Region of Murcia, Mr. Fernando de la Cierva, received the members of AFAEMME

The counsellor of Presidency, Mr.Fernando de la Cierva, received the members of AFAEMME in an act celebrated in Murcia last 22nd  March.

The counsellor expressed his gratitude to the presidents of the Mediterranean Businesswomen Associations present for their work to promote gender equality in the labour market. 

At the same time, Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe Lehtonen, President of AFAEMME, thanked the Regional Government, the Woman Institute of the Region of Murcia and the local Association of Professional and Businesswomen (OMEP) for the support that AFAEMME received to organize the European Conference “Businesswomen and Labour Mobility in the Mediterranean Arc”.

Mrs. De Felipe presented to the Counsellor a replica of the “Dama de Elche”, a historic symbol of the noble values transmitted by the Mediterranean women.

European Conference “Businesswomen and Labour Mobility in the Mediterranean Arc"

Published: March 21st and 22nd, 2007. Murcia, (Spain). By: L. Acedo

March 20th:  Greeting of AFAEMME´s members

March 21st: 

• 12:00hrs: Reception in the San Esteban Palace with the President of the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia
• 14:00hrs: Typical lunch
• 16:00hrs: Guided city tour and assistance to exposition of III Centenary of the sculptor Salzillo
• 21:30hrs: Welcome dinner

more...

AFAEMME Annual Meeting

Published: March 21st and 22nd, 2007. Murcia, (Spain). By: L. Acedo

AFAEMME Members meet in Murcia, Spain on 22nd March to celebrate their Annual General Meeting.
The Assembly took place after a European Conference framed within the project called: “Women and Job Mobility: obstacles and solutions for women in the ICT sector”, where it was analyzed how the new communication and information technologies (ICT) can help to improve the networking between the members of AFAEMME, as AFAEMME is working in a project co-financed by the European Commission.

European Year of Workers’ Mobility closing conference in Lille (France) - AFAEMME participates in the Closing Conference of European Year of Workers´ Mobility and finalizes its project on mobility and equality

Published: December 11st and 12nd, 2006. Lille, (France).  by L.Acedo

On 11st and 12nd has taken place Closing Conference of European Year of Workers´ Mobility.  In the act, celebrated in Lille (France), page www.womenmobility.org that AFAEMME has developed inside the framework of the project" Mobility and Equality in the European Labour Market" has been one of the most applauded initiatives. 

Closing Conference have consisted on the one hand in an Exposition for 13 stands where some of the 31 Associations and European Organizations, among that is  AFAEMME and the Coalition for Gender Equality  of Latvia, could present the projects developed during that year 2006. 

More...

AFAEMME BOARD MEETING AT MALLORCA

Published: September 29th 2006. Mallorca, (Spain). By: L. Acedo

AFAEMME Board Meeting took place at Hotel Barceló Albatros at Palma de Mallorca last 29th September. The meeting was attended by representatives of the associations from Mediterranean and EU member countries belonging to AFAEMME’s network. Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe Lehtonen, president of AFAEMME, presented the new web site of the Association totally renewed and redesigned: www.afaemme.org She also pointed out the need to have a good corporative image and updated tools in order to support networking and make it effective.

Labour Market and Entrepreneurship Overcoming Gender Stereotypes Transnational Action Plan promoted by Geneder Equality and Businesswomen Organisations

Published: February 23rd 2006. Brussels (Belgium) by L.Acedo

On 23rd February 2006, AFAEMME presented in the European Parlament the Project entitled “Labour Market and Entrepreneurship Overcoming Geneder Stereotypes Transnational Action Plan promoted by Geneder Equality and Businesswomen Organisations” carried out with the support of the European Commission and FEMM (The comision of Gender Equality of the European Parliament).
More than a hundred of people from forty countries attended to hear the results of the project and the recommendations which were made to the European Institutions and National Governements.

The Annual General Meeting and Elections of AFAEMME

Published: February 23rd 2006. Brussels (Belgium) by L.Acedo

The Annual General Meeting and Elections of AFAEMME, took place on 23rd February 2006 in Brussels.
We are pleased to announce that we have five new members from Argelia, France (FCE), Lebanon (LAB), Syria (MAWRED) and Turkey (KAGIDER) and we have extended the Board of Directors to incorporate four new Vice-Presidents form Greece (SEGE), Malta (MBWD), Morocco (AFEM) and Spain, Andalucia (FAME).

AFAEMME New Logotype

Published: February 25rd 2006. Barcelona, (Spain) by L.Acedo

Euro-Mediterranean Economic Leaders Summit

Published: November 28th 2005. Barcelona (Spain) by L.Acedo

AFAEMME is one of the twelve members who has subscribed to the conclusions presented in the “ Euro-Mediterranean Economic Leaders Summit” held on 28th November 2005 in Barcelona. We expect that the voice of the business sector of the Mediterranean region will be heard and taken in consideration for the future policies of the Euro- Mediterranean Partnership.

Third National Focal Meeting in Sofia (Bulgaria)

Published: October 14th 2005. Sofia (Bulgaria) by L.Acedo

As part of the gender equality project "Labour market and entrepreneurship overcoming gender stereotypes" , under the coordination of Afaemme, WAD (Women’s Alliance for Development), held the third National Focal Meeting in Sofia (Bulgaria) on 14th to 16th October, where we presented and discussed the conclusion of the twelve national studies.
The meeting was very fruitful and many issues were debated. Everybody is looking forward to the final large shedule meeting in Brussels (Belgium) on 2nd-4th February 2006, where Afaemme with its proyect partners and collaborating Associations will have the opportunity to present the reports and recomendation to members to European Comission and National Governments.

International Focal Point Meeting at Barcelona (Spain)

Published: June 30th 2005. Thessaloniki (Greece) by L.Acedo

AFAEMME celebrated in Barcelona on Friday June 30th and Saturday July 1st 2005, the Third International Focal Point Meeting that forms part of the project “Labour Market and Entrepreneurship Overcoming Gender Stereotypes”, with the presence of Presidents and key representatives of Associations from each country found in the eastern hemisphere of Europe (Estonia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Romania, Lithuania, Latvia, Czech Republic, Slovenia and Poland). The attendees analysed in detail the real obstacles which women have to face in the labour and entrepreneurial market and proposed various ways to improve the access of women to this market. During this International meeting, also took place the launch of the renewed issue of “Fair Play”, published by WAD, Women’s Alliance for Development, Bulgaria.

General Assembly of AFAEMME at Thessaloniki, (Greece)

Published: April, 9th 2005. Thessaloniki, (Greece) by L.Acedo

The past 9th of April 2005 and as part of the second meeting to discuss about the project “Labour Market and Entrepreneurship, Overcoming Gender Stereotypes”, took place the General Assembly of AFAEMME at Thessaloniki, Greece. One of the main activities during the Assembly was the aprobation of the activities done during 2004 and the coming activities during the current year. The members of AFAEMME present at the event were:
Mrs. Maria Helena de Felipe (President); Mrs. Mercedes Delgado (General Secretary); Mrs. Cristina Gorajski (Italy); Mrs. Mina Thanou (Greece); Mrs. María Angeles Ruiz Martínez (Murcia, Spain); Mrs. Marisa Riestra Nicolau (Balearic Islands, Spain); Mrs. Charlotte Gregory (Malta); Betariz Fernandez (legal advisor) and Elisabeth Trallero (International Coordinator).
The celebration of the next General Assembly will take place on January 2006 at Brusselss, Belgium.

Workers Mobility: a right, an option, an opportunity

Published: Febrary 20th 2005. Barcelona (Spain) by L.Acedo

On 20th February 2005, some members of AFAEMME atended the Internacional Conference in the European Comisión in Brussels, entitled “Workers Mobility: a right, an option, an opportunity” which launched the European year of Worker´s Mobility. The inaugural session was presided by Mr. José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission.

Seminar on Civil and Political Right at Barcelona Forum

Published: July  29th 2004. Barcelona (Spain)

The Meeting on Women's Dialogue was held between the 29th and 31st of July, within which AFAEMME took part at a Round Table Debate (chaired by its President Mrs Maria Helena de Felipe).  The topic of this particular discussion was:
    "Civil and Political Rights - New Forms of Democracy"
The three days were marked with success in terms of attendance, enthusiasm and participartion of women relevant to the social, political and economic worlds.
 We will have the conclusions after the closure of the FORUM on the 24th of September and will be carrying the over to the new MONTERREY FOURM in 2007.

President of AFAEMME is invited to Morocco to represent Catalonian 

Published: May 27th 2004. Casablanca (Morocco)

President of AFAEMME, Mª Helena de Felipe, was recently invited by the Head of the Catalan Government, Mr. Pascual Maragall, as part of a delegation, to Morocco. The purpose of the visit, made between 27th - 29th May 2004, was to participate in a series of meetings to promote corporate co-operation between Morocco and Catalonia of Spain.
The invitation was further extended by Mrs.Felipe, to Saloua Kakri, President of AFEM of Morocco, an active member of AFAEMME.

Mrs. Reem Barghouty Damen awarded

Last March 2010 Mrs. Reem Barghouty Damen, President of the Jordan Forum for Business & Professional Women (JFBPW), has been awarded by Mr. Najjar, the Minister of Water & Irrigation, on behalf of the Prime Minister of Jordan, Mr. Samir Refai’, with the Ministry of Water & Irrigation Award.

By this award, Mrs. Reem Barghouty Damen, the Board of Directors of JFBPW, its members and the working team were congratulated for the distinguished efforts in saving water during the WEPIA Project.

AFAEMME’s President Participates in Meeting with Spain’s Minister of Equality

AFAEMME’s President, Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe participated in a meeting held in Madrid, Spain on September 11th, 2008 hosted by Spain’s Minister for Equality, Her Excellency Mrs. Bibiana Aido and the Secretary of Equality Policies, Mrs. Isabel María Martínez Lozano.

The meeting gathered together several Presidents of National Women Organisations from different areas and was held to present this new Ministry’s work plan as well as to collect opinions on the current situation of Spanish equality policies, as seen by these organisation leaders.

During the meeting, Mrs. Aido spoke about the existing differences between men and women, stating that “…We have to take into account that we come from different places: men have been socialized to take power, but women have been socialized to not take power”.

It is expected that future meeting will be held to accompany the Ministry’s work in the years to come.

Mrs. Bibiana Aido, Spanish Minister for Equality; Mrs. Elvira Mendez, President of the Organisation Health and Family and Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe Lehtonen, President of AFAEMME

AFAEMME’s President takes part of a Museum Exhibit

Published on April 28th, 2008, Barcelona (Spain)

Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe, President of AFAEMME, was interviewed to form part of the exhibit “Dones, els camins de la llibertat” (Women, the roads to freedom) organised by the History Museum of Catalonia. The exhibit, which will be open from April 17th to July 20th, 2008, was inaugurated by the Honourable Counsellors of the Government of Catalonia, Mr. Tresserras, Counsellor of Culture and Mrs. Capdevila, Counsellor of Social Action.

EUROCHAMBRES 15th Annual Congress on 25-26
October 2007 in Paris

EUROCHAMBRES, the Association of European Chambres of Commerce and Industry, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2008, forms one of the key pillars of business representation to the European Institutions.

EUROCHAMBRES annual Congres brings together around 500 participants from over 50 countries coming from the worlds of business, politics and media.

The theme of the 2007 Congress will be:

Business and Regional Development: growth will
come from the grassroots!?

For the firs time a European Congress will focus on the role that economic actors can play towards local and regional authorities as partners in the global success of Europe.

Governance, competitiveness and territorial competition: members of the European parliament and Commission, ministers, regional and local elected deputies and captains of industry will debate these issues which are essential for the dynamism and growth of the European Union.

MORE INFORMATION/REGISTRATION on the Congress website:

www.eurochambresparis2007.org

Jadrana Radovanic new president of the association of the businesswomen of Croatia (KRUG)

Published 6th June 2007 by Lourdes Acedo

The association of the businesswomen of Croatia (KRUG) has renewed his bord of director. Now Jadrana Radovanic is the new president and the executive board is composed by: Renata Vokal (Deputy of President), Biserka Rajkovic, Diana Vrankovic, Dunja Konjevod, Durdica Zagorec, Ivanka Avelini, Marija Sola, Valnea Bressan and Vlasta Hautz.

KRUG is an association of businesswomen in Croatia, member of AFAEMME. Krug works to improve the position of businesswomen in society by encouraging women entrepreneurship, business culture and working ethics.

The activities of KRUG are education, networking, promotion of achievements of businesswomen, co-operation with public organisations and institutions and liking with similar national and international associations.

KAGIDER NEW TEAM

Women Entrepreneurs Associations of Turkey has renewed his bord of director.

Published 17 th.04. 2007 by L.Acedo

Photo: Mrs. Meltem Gürler (Head of Foreign Affairs Committee of KAGIDER) with Mrs.Mª Helena de Felipe Lehtonen (President os AFAEMME)

6th Pan Afro Congress of Business and Professional Women

The 6th Pan Afro Congress of Business and Professional Women in Collaboration with 6th Mediterranean Congress of Business and Professional Women and 8th International Congress of Egyptian Business Women Association (EBWA) will be organise by Egyptian Business Women Association (EBWA), African Alliance for Women Empowerment (AFRAWE), Afro-Arab Network for Women Empowerment, Business and Professional Women Egypt (BPW-Egypt) and Organization for Women in Trade (OWIT – Egypt).

IThe event will take place on 28-30th May at Mena House Oberoi Hotel, Cairo, Egypt For get more information please contact with: asfour2712@yahoo.com

Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Catalan Association of Businesswomen and Women Executives (ACCE)

Published: December 21st, 2006. Barcelona (Spain) . By: L. Acedo

ACCE (L´Asociació Catalana d´Empresàries i Executives), a member of AFAEMME´s network,celebrated on December of 2006 its 25th anniversary.

In a very special dinner that brought together the founding members as well as the newcomers, Mrs. Carmen Trias de Romero received the award for “The Best Businesswoman of the Year 2006” which recognised her 30 years as a successful executive leading TEASA, a pioneer business in Catalonia dedicated to proving aide services for events. The award was handed to Mrs. Trias by Kati Carreras-Moysi, Counsellor for Institutional Relations of Barcelona’s City hall.  

Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe Lehtonen, President of ACEE, made a speech in which she not only congratulated Mrs. Carmen Trias de Romero for her work, but also recognised the efforts and the achievements made by ACCE in its 25 years of existence, in which it has provided information and advice to its members.

L´Association les Femmes Chef d´Entreprises

Published: December 2nd, 2006.  (France). By: L. Acedo

L´Association les Femmes Chef d´Entreprises, member of AFAEMME, celebrated, last 2nd of December the 60th anniversary of the association in the Chamber of Commerce of Paris. There was 400 attends who participated in the round tables about “Stakes of the Enterprise take over”.

54th FCEM World Congress – SLOVENIA The Future Belongs to the Enterprising Ljubljana

Published: November 21st, 2006. Liubliana (Slovenia) . By: L. Acedo

The 54th congress will be hosted in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from October 21 through 24, 2006. For the whole family of women entrepreneurs, united through Femmes Chefs d`Entreprises Mondiales this will be a beautiful occasion for participants from different nations, languages and cultures to meet and discuss about experiences and share knowledge and information about enterprising, innovation and partnership and to deepen friendships developed through FCEM meetings. This will also be an occasion to know more about the surprising world of Central and Eastern Europe.
If you need more information, get in contact with Mrs. Marta Turk National. President/ FCEM World Vice-president.

ACE&E with his/her Royal High Princes of Asturias meeting

Published: October, 2006. Barcelona (Spain)

Members of The Catalonian Association of Businesswomen were guests to the inauguration of the new installations of the Historic File of the Chamber of Commerce of Barcelona where the associates had the opportunity to have a very interesting conversation on conciliation of work and family life themes with her Royal High Princess of Asturias, the very honourable. Mrs. Letizia Ortiz. Who had been very interested in this subject and in the projects that ACEE is to carrying out to improve the businesswomen situation in the labour market.

A meeting with the Business Women Organization from Catalonia

Published: June 12nd, 2006. Barcelona (Spain)

The Economy Minister of Chile Mrs Ingrid-Veronica Antonijevic, requested a meeting with the Business Women Organization from Catalonia (ACEE) on 12th May 2006 in Barcelona.
The meeting was attended by the President of Afaemme Mrs M.Helena de Felipe who organized it, and a group of the highest level businesswomen.
They discussed the situation of business in Catalonia and the obstacles they have had to overcome.
Mrs Antonijevic was interested in collaborating together and to set up a Business Women Organization in Chile.

Dr Bouthayna Iraqui Houssaini as a President

Published: June 28nd, 2006. Casablanca (Morocco)

The Moroccan NGO for business women, General assembly held on Wednesday June 28, 2006, has elected Dr Bouthayna Iraqui Houssaini as a President for the coming three years.

Dr Iraqui Houssaini succeeds to Mrs Saloua Karkri Belkeziz, One of Afem founders. The latter was elected by the same general assembly as a Honorary President.

The Board to work with Dr Bouthayna Iraqui Houssaini during this period is as follows:
Hakima El Haite Mounir:
Vice President in charge of Institutional and International Relations.
Imane Rtabi Benamar:
Vice President in charge of the Creation of Enterprises
Wassila Kara Ibrahimi:
Vice President in charge of the Development of Women Entrepreneurship
Hakima Hourri Touzani:
General Secretary in charge of Regional Development
Souad Doumiri Rachou:
General Treasurer.

The new team will be honoured and delighted to continue and maintain our relationship of a privileged partnership.

Women’s way to Europe

Published: June 25th, 2006. Atalya (Turkey). By: L. Acedo

On the 25th and 26th of May, KAGIDER (Organization of Businesswomen from Turkey) organized an International Conference in Istambul entitled “Women’s way to Europe” in the context of a project of the European Commission.Afaemme is one of the three partners in the project along with IAPBWB (Bulgaria) and ADAF (Romania).

We honoured to have the presence or the Family Minister of Turkey Mrs Nimet ÇubukÇu.

The Spanish delegation included mrs. M.Helena de Felipe, President of AFAEMME and Mrs. Charo Nogueira, journalist from the El País, and Mrs. Joaquima Alemany, President of the International Network of Liberal Women. They spoke about the situation of women in Spain in reference to gender equality.

The womens cooperative bank

Published: May 25th, 2006. Cairo (Egyp)

We would like to inform you that Mrs Artemis Toumazi with the womens cooperative bank won two awards in the first global summit award which took  place in Cairo  last  9th of June 2006.

ANTIKAD newest member of Afaemme

Published: May 25th, 2006. Atalya (Turkey)

The newest member of Afaemme is ANTIKAD (pendent to be officially approved by the Board), a member of the Coalition of Turkish Women Entrepreneurs, located in Antalaya which is a Mediterranean City on the Syrian border.

The President of the Organization Mrs.Sevinç Eylik and the Vicepresident Mrs. Seval Yasak were present at the Istambul Conference organised by KAGIDER (25th-26th May 2006).

The women entrepreneurship facing financial problems

Published: March 14th, 2006.(Morocco)

The Moroccan member of AFAEMME, the Association of Businesswomen of Morocco (AFEM), organized last 14th of March the event about “the women entrepreneurship facing a financial problems: realities and perspectives” and on 28th of February took place a business-dinner about”the communication and media, which way to use" organized by AFEM too.

Businesswomen Organization in Guatemala

Published: November 9 th, 2005 (Guatemala)

Over 19th to 29th of November , the President of AFAEMME, Mª Helena de Felipe, visited Guatemala and supported the creation of the first Businesswomen Organization in Guatemala, with the support of President of the country Mr. Oscar Berger.

Iberamerican Congress of Business  Women

Published: October 20 th, 2005. Madrid (Spain)

FIDE (Federation of Iberoamerican Businesswomen) celebrate its XV Congress in Madrid , 20th to 23rd of October.This event served well to create business relations between Iberoamerican  and Portugal and Spain countries. From AFAEMME, asisted to the Congress the President M. Helena de Felipe, as well as member of the Joint Directive of FIDE

The situation of businesswomen in Morocco

Published: September, 15th, 2005. Casablanca (Morocco)

On 15th of September of 2005 took place the first anniversary of AFEM. The Association of Businesswomen of Morocco (AFEM) is working a lot to improve the situation of businesswomen in Morocco and they are growing and reaching new horizons continuously. We invite you to consult the link http://www.afem.ma/News.htm

A Delegation from AFEM, visited Barcelona

Published: July 3th, 2005 Barcelona, (Spain)

A Delegation from the Association of Business Women of Morrocco (AFEM) leaded by its General Secretary Mrs. Afifa Dassouli, visited Barcelona between the 7 and the 11 of March . The Delegation had several networking meetings with the Catalan Association of Businesswomen ACEE, as well as interviews with the General Director of COPCA Mr. Jordi Serret at the Palace of the Generalitat; and participate at the entrpreneurs’ day at the Forum of Barcelona.