Italian women take leading roles in their nation’s business as well as government. When a delegation of Saudi businesswomen traveled to Rome earlier this month for a two-day forum, it was an opportunity for women of the two countries to share and learn from each other’s experience.

The Saudi-Italian Businesswomen’s Forum, held on March 15-17, stressed the need for Arab women to assume the role of peacemakers and work across borders to connect with other societies and benefit from the success of others to foster economic and social development.

Judging from the coverage in the Italian media, the forum itself was a great success.

The forum was held under the patronage of Princess Fadwa bint Khaled ibn Abdullah, honorary president of the Arab Italian Women’s Association (AIWA).

Founded in May 2002 by a group of professional Italian women and the spouses of Arab ambassadors and diplomats in Italy, the AIWA seeks to encourage cultural and social exchange between the Arab world and Italy in order to promote better cooperation and a partnership for peace and progress between the Arab and Italian communities.

Participants in the two-day forum included Arab and Italian women entrepreneurs and investors. The objective of the meeting was to expand knowledge of entrepreneurial and business skills, outlining each country’s laws and customs, and providing the necessary information base to help women in the process of starting their own commercial exchanges, establishing their own business contacts and creating joint ventures.

This forum’s goal was to establish ongoing networking, which could prompt a similar forum in Saudi Arabia in the coming months. The forum also garnered support from Rome’s chamber of commerce and ANSA Med, a news network of Mediterranean press agencies that encourages dialogue about political, economic, social and cultural issues throughout the region.

The success of the forum was due in large part to the efforts of Princess Fadwa, wife of Prince Muhammad ibn Nawaf, former Saudi ambassador to Italy and now Saudi ambassador to the UK. Her charisma and attitude were a source of inspiration to all the Saudi women who met her. Her initiative in fostering relations between the Italian women and their Saudi counterparts should be commended. Her efforts are in line with the UN Resolution 1335 that recognizes the need for a worldwide initiative to engage women as builders of society and promoters of peace.

The Saudi businesswomen of the delegation truly appreciated Princess Fadwa’s work to include them in such international events and to give them an opportunity to help dispel stereotypes of Saudi women as oppressed and isolated.

During their presentation and the two-day interaction with the Italian women, the Saudi women were able to portray a more accurate picture of their status in Saudi society. They also were able to convey the Saudi culture and lifestyle and backed up their position by marking the achievements of Saudi businesswomen in education, tourism, banking, beauty, fashion, marketing, industry and trade.

The interaction between the Saudi women and leading Italian women in Parliament and business was quite remarkable. The Saudi women were truly inspired by the Italian women who have assumed leadership roles in society.

The forum was one of several events held to promote the association’s cause. It was organized in collaboration with the Italian Women Entrepreneurs’ Association (AIDDA), the members of which hope to create mutually beneficial business relations between Saudi and Italian businesswomen.

The event provided a unique opportunity for the Saudi women to share their experience with the women of Italy. It is hoped that their visit will create better Saudi-Italian trade relations and more cultural exchanges.

Sharing and learning from the experience of others is the only way forward to build bridges between cultures and to promote viable, long-lasting businesses. We should be optimistic that the knowledge gained in Italy will help the women of Saudi Arabia shape a future of prosperity for the Kingdom.

— Samar Fatany is a radio journalist based in Jeddah. She was part of the Saudi delegation to Rome.