Safae Hadri, a master’s student in management sciences at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), is at the forefront of a vital initiative aimed at fostering economic empowerment and gender equality. Her research, conducted under the umbrella of the Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 (BCDI 2030) program, focuses on "Promoting Women’s Entrepreneurship: A Source of Collective Wealth." This project is strategically designed to enhance equal opportunities and significantly improve the employability of women in Morocco and Madagascar through the cultivation of female entrepreneurship. Ms. Hadri commenced her master’s studies in Canada in August 2025, a pivotal moment that has allowed her to delve deeply into these critical issues.
A Passion for Entrepreneurship and Empowerment
Ms. Hadri’s journey into the realm of entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in her early career aspirations. "From the very beginning of my career, I have been fascinated by the dynamics that shape the business world, and I have always wanted to contribute – at my own level – to its development," she states. Her academic path has been a deliberate progression towards this goal, beginning with studies in journalism and communication in Morocco. This foundational knowledge was later broadened by a bachelor’s degree in economics and management sciences, followed by invaluable experience as a business journalist. Each of these stages progressively deepened her understanding of the complex challenges and opportunities inherent in entrepreneurial endeavors.
"My immersion in the business world has particularly fueled my interest in supporting women entrepreneurs," Ms. Hadri elaborates. She recognizes entrepreneurship not just as a driver of individual success, but as a fundamental engine for societal progress. "Entrepreneurship is one of the essential pillars of the economy: it creates value, generates employment, and drives development." This conviction guided her decision to pursue a master’s program specifically in entrepreneurial support at UQTR. The allure of Canada’s academic system, with its emphasis on knowledge transfer, robust support structures, and inherent richness, presented an unparalleled opportunity that perfectly aligned with her background and long-term vision.
The BCDI 2030 Program: Cultivating Global Change
The BCDI 2030 program, of which Ms. Hadri’s project is a key component, represents a significant Canadian commitment to fostering sustainable development and empowering future leaders in developing nations. Launched with the overarching goal of supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), the program strategically leverages Canadian educational institutions to provide advanced training and research opportunities. These scholarships are designed to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and skills, enabling scholars to return to their home countries and become agents of change.
The program’s emphasis on promoting women’s entrepreneurship is particularly noteworthy. Globally, women entrepreneurs face a disproportionate number of barriers, including limited access to finance, restrictive social norms, and inadequate business development support. Data from organizations like the World Bank consistently highlight these disparities, showing that women-owned businesses often receive less venture capital funding and struggle with market access compared to their male counterparts. By focusing on this demographic, BCDI 2030 seeks to unlock a significant untapped economic potential.
Addressing the Barriers to Female Entrepreneurship
Ms. Hadri’s research is directly addressing these systemic challenges. Her observations upon arriving in Canada and engaging with the academic and professional communities have been profound. "Since my arrival, the entire team at UQTR and BCDI 2030 has supported me and enabled me to pursue these aspirations," she notes. "Through this scholarship and my research, I have been deeply inspired by the role women play in the business world. Whether they are CEOs of major companies or executive directors, their impact is significant, and they lead essential projects both across the continent and internationally – despite the many challenges they face."
She powerfully articulates the core problem her research aims to solve: "Too often, their innovative ideas encounter barriers that prevent them from being fully realized, leaving many projects on the drawing board!" This stark reality is the impetus behind her focused research direction. "It was based on this observation that I chose to focus on entrepreneurial support as a lever to help these women overcome the inequalities they face in the field and the glass ceilings that persist."
Her current work is dedicated to developing "concrete and effective tools to transform their ideas into viable projects." This practical, solution-oriented approach is critical, as many promising initiatives falter due to a lack of structured support and strategic guidance. The economic vitality of nations is intrinsically linked to the success of these ventures, underscoring the urgency of her mission.
A Comparative Approach: Quebec and Morocco
A significant aspect of Ms. Hadri’s research involves a comparative study of female entrepreneurship in Quebec, Canada, and Morocco. This methodology allows for the identification of best practices and successful strategies that can be adapted and transferred between different socio-economic and cultural contexts. "The tools I am currently developing will allow me to effectively support these women entrepreneurs by drawing on the best practices I have acquired throughout my academic career in Canada," she explains.
Her aim is to leverage her privileged access to both ecosystems. "I am fortunate to already be involved in this ecosystem and to have privileged access to these women and the dynamics that shape their work. My position will allow me to transfer knowledge from one model to another." This cross-pollination of ideas and experiences is expected to yield tangible benefits for women entrepreneurs in Morocco, enabling them to navigate their local business landscapes more effectively.
The comparative analysis is expected to shed light on commonalities and divergences in the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in these two distinct regions. For instance, while Quebec may offer a more robust legal and financial framework for businesses, Morocco might present unique cultural dynamics and market opportunities that can inform innovation. By studying these contrasts, Ms. Hadri seeks to create adaptable frameworks that respect local contexts while incorporating globally recognized success factors.
The Impact of the Scholarship and Research
The BCDI 2030 scholarship has been instrumental in facilitating Ms. Hadri’s research and personal development. Beyond financial support, it has provided her with an immersive academic experience, networking opportunities, and access to world-class mentorship. This has not only enriched her understanding but has also transformed her perspective on her own potential and role in contributing to development.
"I am no longer the woman I was a year and a half ago, and I will not be the same in a few months when I return home and complete this journey," she reflects. "This experience transforms, broadens perspectives, and provides a deeper structure to how we contribute to development and to economic collaboration between Canada and Africa." This sentiment underscores the profound personal and professional growth fostered by international educational exchange programs.
Ms. Hadri’s aspirations extend beyond the completion of her master’s degree. She envisions a future where her research contributes to policy-making and practical implementation. "At the end of my research, I hope to actively contribute to decision-making, to advise, guide, and support others drawing on the knowledge I have gained. I want to help and to transform the entrepreneurial projects led by these women into concrete and sustainable initiatives by combining research with practical application."
A Commitment to Long-Term Impact and Knowledge Dissemination
Her commitment to advancing the field of women’s entrepreneurship is long-term. Upon returning to Morocco, Ms. Hadri plans to continue her research trajectory, potentially pursuing a doctorate. She also aims to contribute to scientific publications, sharing the knowledge and insights gained during her studies. "The women entrepreneurship field still lacks substantial data and in-depth studies that would allow many projects to reach their full potential," she observes. "Contributing to this research effort is, and will remain, a way for me to make a lasting impact."
The scarcity of robust data in this domain is a widely acknowledged issue by development agencies and academic institutions. The insights generated by researchers like Ms. Hadri are therefore invaluable for informing targeted interventions and strategic planning. Her work promises to fill critical knowledge gaps and provide evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, financial institutions, and support organizations.
A Call to Action and Recognition of Support
Ms. Hadri extends a strong encouragement to future scholarship recipients, highlighting the transformative nature of the BCDI 2030 program. "I would strongly encourage future scholarship recipients to seize this opportunity, as it is not only enriching but also meaningful on every level," she urges. She emphasizes that without such initiatives, the acquisition of essential tools and experiences for contributing to the entrepreneurial sector would be significantly hindered.
Her journey is also a testament to the supportive environment at UQTR. "At UQTR, I am supported by faculty members and academic staff who provide continuous guidance and encouragement. Among them, I would like to thank my master’s supervisor, Ms. Diane Gagné, as well as the team at the International Office." Such dedicated support systems are crucial for international students navigating new academic and cultural landscapes.
Broader Implications for International Development
The BCDI 2030 program, through Ms. Hadri’s exemplary journey, powerfully reaffirms its commitment to empowering young Africans, particularly women, in the crucial fields of entrepreneurship and business development. The program’s core tenets – skills transfer and knowledge sharing – are recognized as indispensable drivers for international economic development. By investing in individuals like Safae Hadri, Canada is not only fostering individual growth but also cultivating a network of future leaders equipped to address pressing global challenges.
The program’s success hinges on fostering collaboration and mutual understanding between Canada and African nations. Ms. Hadri’s observation that "despite our differences, our challenges are not so far apart. Our goals are the same: to strengthen our entrepreneurial and economic sectors, and to contribute to the development of our countries" encapsulates the spirit of this international partnership. This shared vision of economic progress and development underscores the profound impact of education and training in driving positive change. The initiative ultimately champions the belief that empowering women entrepreneurs is not merely a matter of gender equality, but a strategic imperative for robust and inclusive economic growth for all.
