Dubai, 3 January 2022 (TDI): Amidst the suffering and struggle facing the world, hope will always find a way to prevail. “The light we should hold on to, the light that promises us a better tomorrow.”
In this regard, individual efforts are just as important as those of governments and organizations; this should be our understanding and how we change the world for the better.
The Entrepreneur Helping Middle Eastern Women Enter the Digital Economy
Mona Ataya, a Palestinian-Lebanese entrepreneur based in the United Arab Emirates, operates the vastest online marketplace for mothers in the Middle East. UNCTAD has recognized her achievements by selecting her as one of the six e-Trade for Women Advocates for 2021–2022.
She is the CEO and Founder of Mumzworld, as well as the Director of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. With May Yacoub of UN News, she discussed the challenges experienced by women in business in the Middle East, as well as why she is dedicated to supporting them.
As someone who has worked in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s digital economy for the past two decades, she stated that she has witnessed how it has evolved. Globalization is a critical element of how the world is moving, but women are still underserved, so efforts should be made to continue reaching out to them.
UNCTAD’s e-trade for Women program enables women to have their voices overheard and their contributions felt by providing them with information and resources.
“As a mentor, Ataya looks forward to sharing her skills, knowledge, and successes with other women in the region. It is also on my to-do list to create tools, resources, and information for them.”
On a Mission to Assist Mothers
Mona Ataya states that her corporate career began outside the Middle East. During those years, she acquired skills that enabled her to return to her native country with the hope of making a significant contribution to this part of the world.
Mumzworld was founded in 2011 to empower women to make informed decisions about their families in the Arab world. Mothers were unable to access products as a result of a lack of products, high prices, and a lack of online communities.
UNCTAD has recognized the accomplishments of the Palestinian-Lebanese entrepreneur by naming her one of six e-Trade for Women Advocates for 2021–22.
Her company today has over 350 employees and over 300,000 products available on its website: a successful, homegrown business that has become a gold standard and has inspired other women to become successful and create jobs in the region.
Male-Dominated Industry
E-commerce in the Middle East is dominated by suppliers, delivery companies, and financiers. Operating in this field is a daunting challenge for women because it is extremely difficult to succeed in the corporate maze, being a woman. Women who succeed and establish scalable businesses inspire other women to establish their own ventures.
“It has been possible for me to cope because my husband and three adolescent sons have been understanding. My family has been incredibly supportive. To expand a successful company, entrepreneurs must sacrifice time, take risks, and compromise.” Ataya said
UNCTAD’s Mission
Millions have been lifted out of poverty as a result of globalization and the expansion of trade. However, not enough people have benefited. There are still significant challenges to overcome.
The goal of UNCTAD is to assist developing countries in obtaining the benefits of a globalized economy in a more equitable and efficient manner. The organization also assists in dealing with the potential drawbacks of greater economic integration.
UNCTAD accomplishes this by providing analysis, leading to consensus-building, and providing technical assistance. By doing so, they are capable of using trade, investment, finance, and technology as instruments for inclusive and sustainable development.
The organization aims to utilize essential resources more efficiently and adapt to climate change. Collectively with other UN departments and agencies, UNCTAD measures progress by referring to the Sustainable Development Goals outlined in Agenda 2030.
Furthermore, it supports the implementation of the Financing for Development agenda, as mandated by the Addis Ababa Agenda in 2015, along with four other key institutional stakeholders: the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the World Trade Organization, and the United Nations Development Programme.
Although UNCTAD primarily works with governments, it is believed that partnerships and more active collaboration with the private sector and civil society will achieve sustainable development goals. Ultimately, the organization serves the citizens of the 195 countries that make it up with aim of creating a prosperous world.
