About us
Welcoming message from the founder of Ouissal
Dear Ouissal Community and those who want to become one!
International cooperation is more important today than ever before. The United Nations has also recognized this significance and therefore declared 2025 the “International Year of Cooperation.” Global collaboration forms the foundation for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established in 2015. These goals can only be achieved if different areas are interlinked and pursued together.
A central field that shapes both economic and social development worldwide is the self-determination and equality of girls and women. Promoting them is not only a step toward greater justice but also a decisive factor for a prosperous international economy. When women are able to realize their potential, both society and the economy benefit equally, and their contribution represents a genuine added value for all.
To foster women empowerment and at the same time enhance global performance, I initiated the German-Arab Mentoring Program for female entrepreneurs. Since then, Ouissal has had an impact across borders, and each of us has set an example for other women with career ambitions. I cannot imagine a more effective, enriching, and encouraging way than to work with intercultural entrepreneurs in cross-country group mentoring. In the meantime, the program has expanded to include ten countries and continues to advance women’s empowerment without borders.
Therefore, I kindly ask you to recommend the program to potential participants, whether as mentor or mentee, from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Germany.
I would already like to thank the many dedicated volunteer mentors and supporters. My thanks also go to the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Agency for Business and Economic Development (AWE) for their support and many years of excellent cooperation.
Ouissal is only possible thanks to the many great people who participate in it, in particular the EMA team. Together, we form an international, dynamic powerhouse with diverse expertise and one shared goal: building bridges for a fair and just future.
Clara Gruitrooy
(Founder of Ouissal)
Clara Gruitrooy
Founder of Ouissal
Euro-Mediterranean-Arab Association EMA
The EMA is a regional association of the German economy. It is committed to socially and ecologically sustainable cooperation and international understanding between Germany, Europe and the Mediterranean and Middle East regions. To this end, the EMA links decision-makers and multipliers from business, politics and science. This unique network and its cross-border and cross-sector expertise make the EMA an excellent platform and a reliable, sought-after contact for mutual exchange. More about the ethical code of conduct on the basis of which this exchange takes place can be found here: Code of Conduct.
Together with its members and partners, EMA stands for corporate social responsibility (CSR), the advancement of women and young people, and economic development cooperation. EMA’s members are united by their private and corporate commitment to the Mediterranean and Middle East region.
Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development BMZ
The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is responsible for German development policy within the German government. The framework for the BMZ is provided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. The focus is on the commitment against poverty and hunger and for healthy people in a healthy environment. The BMZ sees itself as a transformation ministry, advancing the global transformation toward a sustainable, climate- and nature-compatible economy while strengthening peace, freedom and human rights.
German development cooperation has been cooperating with North African countries and the Middle East region for decades. The core themes are geared to long-term challenges: Economic development, energy, water and education. However, since the so-called Arabellion of 2011, the countries have been in upheaval. Political instability, weak economic performance and high unemployment are clouding future prospects in many places, especially for young people.
In response, the BMZ has developed the Africa Strategy with three overarching goals:
- flank the development goals set by the African Union (AU) and its member states (African Union Agenda 2063) with structural policy approaches);
- work together on the global transformation towards a dignified, safe life for all in an intact environment (United Nations Agenda 2030);
- cooperate with the neighboring continent in crises in solidarity and visibility.
Since the upheavals of the Arab rebellion, it has become all the more important to strengthen state structures and support good, citizen-oriented governance. Only in this way can citizens’ trust in the state grow and sustainable stability emerge. At the same time, the economy must be promoted in order to open up new personal perspectives for people – for example, through better job prospects.
The Ouissal program implements this strategy: Promoting sustainable development, peace and economic growth in Africa and the Middle East. Integration of women into the labor market is promoted, which in turn helps to strengthen the economy. At the same time, it contributes to the promotion of intercultural understanding and equal rights.
Agency for Business & Economic Development AWE
The Agency for Business & Economic Development (AWE) supports the Ouissal program with funding from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). EMA and AWE collaborate to make the Ouissal program known and accessible through their public relations efforts.
