Implementing effective strategies to stimulate women entrepreneurship

“I have been running my business for already seven years and I think that the knowledge I gained through the Women Entrepreneurship Policy programme, will help me with the expansion and entrance to global markets.”

This is how Ms. Maria Masliy from Ukraine expressed the value to her of MSM’s executive Women Entrepreneurship Policy programme which took place from 04 – 08 July 2022.

On the question why Ms. Aynoor Elberwaki (Lybia) joined the programme, she answered: “My decision to join the Women Entrepreneurship Policy programme is due to the need to explore more in this specific field, as content on this topic is usually not available in the community I live in, or at least not in this depth. I believe that in order to change, I need to have the knowledge to understand all aspects of the women entrepreneurship policy framework."

Ms. Masliy enjoyed being part of such a diverse international learning environment: “It was a great chance to be in such a diverse group of people and to meet this diversity of thoughts, backgrounds, and experiences. I felt really comfortable, safe and supported, and I am really thankful to MSM and its team of tutors for the deep foundation, research and expertise that helped me to gain this knowledge.”

Ms. Rawa Alshumry from Iraq could not agree more: “Sharing ideas and experiences with professionals from so many different countries and backgrounds was a great thing. It really enriched the discussions and let us see the context of others more in depth.”

Ms. Elberkawi was not able to travel to Maastricht and therefore joined the program virtually: “Although some activities were not designed for E-learning, the programme was very well delivered. The presentations given throughout the course were very clear and all materials were accessible through the online portal.”

The Women Entrepreneurship Policy programme was designed and delivered by Prof. Dr. Josette Dijkhuizen, entrepreneur and endowed Professor at Tilburg University (NL). The way she delivered the course was highly appreciated by Ms. Elberkwawi: “Dr. Josette Dijkhuizen is very experienced and knowledgeable. Also, her methods to deliver information are very creative. I enjoyed listening to her lectures because she helps me to dig deeper in my thoughts and to open new realms of wisdom. I am genuinely grateful to be attending a class with her.”

Ms. Alshumry from Iraq was also very positive about Dr. Dijkhuizen: “She is a real expert, with great networking skills.”

About the Women Entrepreneurship Policy programme
Women entrepreneurship deals with stimulating the participation of women in business. Businesses and enterprises can thrive if the ecosystem is stimulating and well-developed and when the entrepreneurship policy framework is functioning well. Aspects within this framework which are of great importance are access to capital and networks, a facilitating legislative environment and supportive social norms. Next to the entrepreneurial environment businesses thrive in, entrepreneurship is also about more psychological topics of e.g. self-confidence, self-esteem and resilience, which are closely related to women’s empowerment.

The short executive course Women Entrepreneurship Policy informs participants on the most relevant aspects of women entrepreneurship, with a special focus in the programme for youth empowerment and entrepreneurship. The programme takes a practice-oriented approach providing frameworks, background information and examples from practitioners.

Watch this video of Prof. Dr. Josette Dijkhuizen and one of the participants to learn more about the programme.

Would you like to join the Women Entrepreneurship Policy programme as well?
The next Women Entrepreneurship Policy programme will take place from 03 - 07 July in 2023. Have a look at our website for more information about the programme and how to apply.

About MSM’s executive education programmes
Today’s rapidly changing societies and economies demand the most from organizations, leaders, managers and professionals. MSM’s Open Enrollment Executive Education programs for emerging markets are developed to achieve a successful and sustainable transformation of both individuals and organizations to support local economic development and business management.