Seminars, Webinars, & High-level Events

Webinar to discuss Women’s Economic Participation: A Pathway for Growth

June 25, 2025

 

 

The International Monetary Fund–Middle East Center for Economics and Finance (IMF-CEF) and the Middle East Regional Technical Assistance Center (METAC) jointly hosted a webinar titled “Women’s Economic Participation: A Pathway for Growth” on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Mr. Moez Souissi, Deputy Director at the CEF, delivered the opening remarks. The keynote speaker, Ms. Lisa Kolovich, discussed the growth implications of increased female labor force participation in the MENA region. The presentation discussed key trends, challenges, and barriers limiting women's roles in economic decision-making. It also highlighted how capacity development efforts are helping member countries integrate gender considerations into public financial management systems, particularly through gender budgeting. Panelists, Mses. Susanne Mikhail and Zeina Zeidan, enriched the discussion by drawing on their extensive professional experience. Ms. Hanene Belhaj, Senior Economist at the CEF, moderated the panel discussion and Q&A session. The webinar attracted a diverse audience from across the Arab world, including public sector officials, academics, business leaders, civil society representatives, and members of international organizations.

 

For more details about the hybrid event, please refer to the following links:

Webinar Recording

Presentation