Syrian businesswoman elected member of the Syrian national committee of the International Chamber of Commerce

Renowned Syrian businesswoman Khulud Halaby recently made history by becoming the first woman to be elected a member of the Syrian National Committee which is the Syrian branch of the International Chamber of Commerce.

The Syrian National Committee is presided over by Abdul Rahman al-Attar and its Vice- President is Rateb al-Shallah.

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has its headquarters in Paris, France, and its purpose is to act as an International Arbitration Court.

In a statement to the Arabic News (ArabicNews.com), Mrs. Halaby said that the Syrian National Committee received an invitation to participate in the third Congress of the International Chambers of Commerce which will be held in Quebec, Canada - September 15- 17, 2003.

When asked about her perception of woman's role in the business world, Mrs. Halaby said that "feminism is an element that is often used against women in the Arab Society." She added "a woman is born feminine just as man is born masculine and virile. She does not lose her femininity when she works and she does not have to, she can keep it. She should not have to use her femininity as a tool of seduction in order to achieve her business goals."

She continued by saying that "seduction is the negative aspect of feminism and for a woman to be in the business environment, her presentation, well being and intellectual, and academic qualifications play a far more important role than her seductive charms.

She explained that women having such qualities do not have to use seduction in order to be successful, and those who do, are an enemy to themselves and to all women in general.

She indicated that Islam, as a divine religion, automatically bestows upon women, economic independence when she reaches the age of 18 years. She has full freedom of access to assets, without being controlled by a man, whether it be her father, husband or brother.

Arab women were given such rights and privileges as far back as the 7th Century while their counterparts in Europe suffered the burden of servitude and discrimination associated with the Dark Ages.

She questioned why, these privileges, given to women are not considered as a starting point rather than an arrival point. It is a foundation on which we can build a social and family balance so as to create greater interaction and integration between the roles played by both women and men, alike.

She recommended that religion should be explained positively and constructively in order to revitalize the role played by the woman and to formulate a more balanced equilibrium between men and women in business and society.

As for the activities of the Homs Businesswomen Committee, Mrs. Halaby said that the number of women in the committee has increased from seven to twelve, the five new members being: Randa Farzat Tlass, Lama al-Ali, Meisa Fadl Hussein, Najwa Marouf; and Jumana Massouh. She added that the expansion of the committee has greatly enriched prospects for further activities at the highest levels.

Highlighting numerous activities conducted by the Homs Businesswomen Committee at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Halaby said that during the three past months several seminars were held at the headquarters of the Homs Chamber of Commerce. These included a seminar on " Company's Budgets and Organization, "The Capital, Liquidity and Taxation," by the Syrian economist Samir Seifan; "Communication and Negotiation Skills" Dr. Hassan al-Nouri of the Management and Marketing Center (MMC), " Traffic Accidents, Preventive Measures" by the Lebanese Youngsters Awareness Spreading Association ( YASA )," The Role of Women in Globalization" by Teyb Teizini. Forthcoming Seminars include; "The Concept of Competition and Relations with the Market " by economist Samir Seifan; "The Products Promotion Strategies" by Hassan al-Nouri of the MMC; "The Methodology of Thinking" by Nuha Chuq of the SEBC and another presentation will be made this month under the title "Administrative Reforms in Syria " by Deyala Haj Aref of the Damascus University Faculty of Economy.