Title: Women Entrepreneurship in the Middle East

Biography:

Born and raised in Amman, Jordan, Rasha Oudeh is a businesswoman and entrepreneur with 18 years of professional experience, 11 of them in the field of pharmaceuticals. She currently holds the post of CEO at a Swiss-German company called CEDEM AG with an affiliate branch in Jordan. CEDEM specializes in the manufacturing and marketing of healthcare products, such as generic medicine, vitamins and cosmetics. It currently employs around 30 workers, mostly women

Abstract

All over the world, women are shattering glass ceilings and proving that they have the power to be successful business leaders. While the battle for gender equality in the West has been effective in recent years, it is still not easy for women to start up their own business. Its even more difficult for women living in the Middle East; where entrepreneurship is still considered a man’s territory exclusively. A person’s journey to success lies not only in the wallet, but in the mastering of business competencies. Something that can be proven by Ms. Oudeh who wanted to advance her career and change her life. Despite gender stereotypes and societal discrimination, she dedicated her strength to her craft and managed to earn personal and professional success unprecedent to other Jordanian women. Lacking sufficient academic background, adhering to very strict taboos and prohibitions are some of the major obstacles women in the Middle East are met with whatever and whenever they set out to achieve their dreams. With determination, self-motivation and eagerness to learn, Oudeh was able to transform her “tight rope” into an expanse of endless possibilities. She seized the opportunities presented to her.With choosing to explore Germany and Switzerland, Oudeh will speak of the obstacles and difficulties she had to endure to reach her goals and become one of the most successful women entrepreneurs in the Middle East.