Although the Middle East and North Africa's (MENA) transition to a green economy offers significant growth potential, it also runs the risk of widening already-existing social divides. Even though women in the region are frequently better educated than men, they are still largely shut out of the clean energy workforce and green entrepreneurship, according to recent research from the Economic Research Forum (ERF) and IDRC.

The global finance gap that women-led small businesses face is one of the main challenges that have been identified. Female entrepreneurs find it difficult to launch or grow green businesses without access to funding, especially in high-value industries like renewable energy. The area risks missing out on a huge talent pool that could promote climate adaptation and economic resilience as a result of this lack of investment.

Women are disproportionately impacted by climate change because they frequently lack the resources and decision-making authority necessary to address environmental emergencies. According to the research, women must transition from being passive recipients of aid to active agents of green growth in order for a "just transition" to be successful. This necessitates a change in the way policies are created to make sure they are sensitive to the unique difficulties that women encounter in the workplace.

To turn these insights into action, the region must dismantle structural barriers to funding and infrastructure. MENA can use its human capital to create a more secure, inclusive, and sustainable future by coordinating public policy with the demands of female entrepreneurs. It is now not only a social objective but also an economic and environmental necessity to support women in leadership and skilled roles