In a qualitative step to enhance the presence of Syrian women in the economic landscape and to convey the voice of industrial and entrepreneurial women, Eng. Wafaa Abu Labdeh, Chairperson of the Industrial Businesswomen Committee, paid an official visit to the headquarters of the Office of the UN Special Envoy in Syria.The meeting was held in the presence of Mr. Tariq Talahma, Director of the Office, Ms. Candice Karp, the Gender Advisor, and Mr. Faisal Arshid, Political Affairs Officer, along with Dr. Rasha Siroob, economist and researcher, alongside several committee members, female entrepreneurs, and small business owners.The meeting also witnessed the active participation of committee members Ms. Hanan Asrab and Ms. Alia Traboulsi, as well as a number of entrepreneurs and small business owners.Eng. Abu Labdeh opened the meeting by thanking the team of the UN Envoy's Office for building communication bridges. She emphasized the continuous pursuit of presenting demands to empower and support the women's business sector through subsequent meetings with the government, organizations, and diplomats.During the meeting, the industrial women spoke about the grave challenges they faced during the years of the crisis and the accompanying destruction of factories. They pointed out that, thanks to their will and determination, they were able to rebuild what was destroyed after the liberation and restarted production lines, just like any other Syrian industrialist.Meanwhile, the entrepreneurs spoke about the vital role played by small business owners in confronting harsh conditions and social challenges. They explained how they proved their capacity for resilience and innovation by offering unique products that blended traditional Damascene heritage with modern touches, turning them into artistic works pulsating with beauty and mastery. They demanded the provision of a supportive environment that ensures the sustainability of these promising projects.The Office Director, Mr. Tariq Talahma, praised the pivotal and prominent role played by Syrian women in the economic recovery phase. During the meeting, he stressed the importance of supporting the women's business sector and overcoming the obstacles facing industrial and entrepreneurial women, expressing the office's readiness to encourage constructive dialogues that contribute to involving all productive capacities.On her part, the Gender Advisor, Ms. Candice Karp, pointed out the necessity of enhancing economic empowerment opportunities for women and supporting their projects within development and recovery plans. She also highlighted the importance of listening to the voices of industrial and entrepreneurial women to ensure they take on their active role in society.The meeting concluded with an agreement to hold future and well-studied meetings with entities capable of providing support to Syrian women, enabling them to highlight their role in the Syrian economic reality
20/8/2026
