The vision of Women Gateway was to create a business portal aimed at women, which would serve the Arab World in many capacities including providing unique information, business support, trade and contact generation. Bahrain is the current focus of womengateway.com. However, it is hoped that the business portal will gradually expand to cater to the needs of women all over the Arab world.
Women Gateway was established in 2002 as a joint venture between the Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society and Al-Nadeem Information Technology. Through the Arabic-English portal may be found directories for companies, government organizations, financial institutions, and charitable societies in Bahrain. There is also full information on the requirements for starting a Bahrain-based business.
Special services are provided for members of Women Gateway. Annually they may post 10 pages of online information about their businesses. Members also receive an e-mail address, online calendar and three banner ads, plus access to discussion forums, bulletin boards, expert advice and an employment center. For the future, womengateway.com plans to sponsor a portal mall, which will act as a low-cost storefront to enable e-commerce activities for its member companies.
Arab News Compunet 3 June 2003