And Contributes in the Development of the SouthConnect Initiative

*You can find some photos at the end of the text.*

As part of empowering women in Lebanon and developing their capabilities, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) organized a workshop entitled "SouthConnect," with the participation of women from various social fields and sectors. The workshop took place on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Sidon and South Lebanon.

This workshop was held in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, the "Al Majmouaa" Foundation, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), the Lebanese Economic Institute, private sector companies, financial entities, and microfinance institutions (MFIs).

The workshop underscored the pivotal role of women-led businesses (WLBs) in Lebanon's economic recovery, resilience, and inclusive growth. In-depth discussions and panel sessions addressed the following key points:

Importance of Women-Led Businesses:
WLBs are crucial for generating employment and driving innovation. Despite their potential, they remain under-supported and under-connected, particularly in crisis-affected regions like South Lebanon and Nabatiyeh.

2. Challenges Faced:
Recent security conflicts have exacerbated socio-economic issues, leading to community displacements, infrastructure damage, and significant disruptions to local businesses, particularly those led by women. Many entrepreneurs are grappling with conflict-related pressures and limited institutional support.

3. Key Barriers:
The following barriers have been identified:

Limited access to affordable finance and credit.
Weak supply chains and market connections.
Digital and technological gaps.
Lack of formal registration opportunities.
Minimal mentorship and incubation support.

4. SouthConnect Initiative:
Launched as part of the WE-HUB project, SouthConnect aims to bridge the gap between women entrepreneurs and the necessary institutional support. It serves as a strategic platform for collaboration among WLBs, financial institutions, and support organizations.

5. Regional Relevance:
The decision to hold SouthConnect in South Lebanon and Nabatieh is based on findings that highlight these areas as severely impacted by economic instability but also housing resilient women entrepreneurs eager to expand their businesses.

6. Objectives of SouthConnect:
Key objectives include:

Facilitating links between WLBs and ecosystem actors, including financial institutions and technical experts.
Promoting access to registration and product testing services.
Enhancing technical capabilities in business management and marketing.

7. Expected Outcomes:
SouthConnect aims to strengthen coordination among WLBs and development actors, improve access to business services, and foster new collaborations for support, enhancing the resilience and visibility of women entrepreneurs.

MECC participation:

MECC ‘s presence in SouthCounnect emphasized its active role in the Southern regions of Lebanon, focusing on development and women empowerment initiatives, enhancing their capacity to thrive amid challenges:

1. MECC's Presence in the South: MECC has been actively involved in several developmental activities, particularly aimed at empowering women and promoting PSSH.

2. Programs Offered: MECC outlined various support mechanisms available under several ongoing projects:

2.1 Grants: Financial assistance for eligible women-led projects.

2.2 Loans: Affordable financing options to encourage business growth (currently not applicable in South).

2.3 Technical Support: Resources and expertise to enhance business operations based on needs’ assessment.

2.4 Business Coaching: Personalized guidance to help women entrepreneurs navigate challenges and maintain their business’ sustainability.

MECC clarified that women participants must meet specific criteria to qualify for the support programs, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated.

MECC is committed to continue developing programs that further support women entrepreneurs in the region, fostering long-term economic growth and resilience.

Next Steps:

1. MECC is willing to engage with the women participants to explore potential collaboration opportunities. This initiative aims to assess how they can benefit from MECC's ongoing projects. The engagement presents a valuable opportunity for both MECC and the women from the South to connect, share insights, and explore avenues for future projects and partnerships.

2. Establishing these connections is seen as crucial for expanding horizons and fostering a supportive network that can enhance the capacity and reach of women-led businesses.