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Ammon News - Jordan Ahli Bank in collaboration, with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Developmentorganized a discussion forum for women managing small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Held on November 19th 2012 under the title “The Challenges and Opportunities”, the event targeted three sectors of entrepreneurs namely; Jordan Ahli Bank’s SME clients, female SMEmanagers, andsponsoring organizations.

As part of the event’s agenda, a research study was presented by the European Bank consultant Mrs. Annette Astonge. The study, which was compiled as a collaborative effort from the European Bank, mainly focused on business rehabilitation,while placing the spotlight on women running SMEs and the role they play increating a more productive business environment.

Commenting on the event proceedings, Head of Business Segments at Jordan Ahli Bank, Mr. Ahmad Al Khub said that Jordan Ahli Bankis very proud to be hosting this event, as it believes that women play an imperative role in steering businesses forward. Itis always keen on supporting initiatives that promise further development for the local community, and this event in particular is one that highlights the role women can play in the SME sector and the business world at large. The woman segment is one the bank greatly believes in, as it feels that the female counterpart of society is pivotal when it comes to creating sustainable long term growth opportunities. Women are underrepresented in the workforce, and are the new power of change, and so the Bank believes it isits responsibility to give them the support, information and knowledge they need to excel in their SME ventures.

From her end, Dr. Rana Akhal, the EBRD appointed consultant added that facts and figures in the study that women are now becoming a more dependable component in the business sector. They have the inspiration, and drive to move the economy forward, and this event is designed to understand how women can be more productive and proactive within the SME sector.

“Working with the European Bank and with Ahli Bank on this study has been a rewarding experience, as it fills us with hope and inspiration as to what women in this community can achieve”, she added.

It is important to note that Jordan Ahli Bank has a division dedicated to servicing the needs of SME owners and clients. It is also deeply committed to creating a gender neutral supportive work environment for women. Female employees represent 41% of Ahli Bank‘s total workforce as recorded at the end of 2011 that in gender neutral,one of the highest female participation ratesin theFinancial services industry .