Abu Dhabi, 9 April 2025 — María Helena de Felipe Lehtonen, member of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), participated today in the Women Progression panel at the AIM Entrepreneurs Portfolio Conference, held within the framework of AIM Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi.

Organized by the AIM Global Foundation, AIM Congress is one of the leading investment platforms in the Middle East, bringing together global business leaders, policy-makers and investors to address the future of global investment under the theme «Mapping the Future of Global Investment – The New Wave of a Globalized Investment Landscape: Towards a New Balanced World Structure.»

De Felipe was invited to the event by UNIDO ITPO Bahrain and took part as a representative of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). In her speech, she shared valuable insights drawn from her extensive work promoting female entrepreneurship, including her experience as president of AFAEMME, the Association of Organisations of Mediterranean Businesswomen.

She highlighted the five key obstacles women entrepreneurs continue to face: lack of experience, lack of role models, limited access to capital, lack of time due to family responsibilities, and restricted access to professional networks. She emphasized the need for policy reforms to create more inclusive economic ecosystems.

“Governments must understand that financial independence is key. Affordable childcare, fair workplace conditions, and access to funding are all essential to building inclusive and prosperous economies.”

The Women Progression panel gathered influential voices across different regions and industries, including:

• Douja Ben Mahmoud Gharbi, RedStart Tunisia
• Khulood Alqattan, Prime Advisory
• Maria Helena De Felipe Lehtonen, European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)
• Maryam Buzaboon, Raedat Software Company W.L.L
• Reem Badran, Al Hurra for Management and Business Development

The panel focused on the advancement of women in various sectors, highlighting progress made, persistent challenges, and future opportunities. It also explored strategic approaches to empowering women, promoting gender equality, and fostering inclusive environments.

For more information on AIM Congress 2025: https://aimcongress.com

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