Nilza Sena speaks at the OSCE's Economic and Environmental Forum, Vienna, 23 January 2017VIENNA, 24 January 2017 – Portuguese parliamentarian Nilza Sena represented the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly at the 25th OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum in Vienna on Monday, focusing her remarks on the topics of women in entrepreneurship, gender equality and poverty reduction.

Sena, who serves as Chair of the OSCE PA’s Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and Environment, noted that women have comparatively rich academic backgrounds that could be transferred to the business community, emphasizing the importance in this regard of removing obstacles that prevent women’s full participation.

“The point is that nowadays women are overqualified or more qualified than men,” Sena said. “Women achieve Master’s and PhD degrees. Women are capable and enterprising so why aren’t more women in equal positions in entrepreneurship?”

“This is a hidden treasure which remains yet unexploited and which would benefit all,” she added.

Sena participated in the forum’s third session, “Economic Participation for Strengthening Security.” Good governance, business partnerships and prevention of radicalization through job creation are the focus of the two-day first Preparatory Meeting of the 25th OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum, taking place 23-24 January.

The Forum is the main meeting cycle within the economic and environmental dimension of the OSCE.

For Nilza Sena's full remarks, please click here.