Sharjah Tatweer Forum organizes interactive seminar titled ‘Women and Entrepreneurship: What’s holding Women Back?’

Sharjah Tatweer Forum recently organized an interactive seminar titled ‘Women and Entrepreneurship: What’s holding women back?’ in collaboration with SAP which attracted several entities that support SME and entrepreneurship projects in Sharjah like Ruwad Establishment, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sheraa, and Sharjah Business Women Council. Women entrepreneurs and leaders from the business and investment sectors also attended the session. Held at the Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, the attendees outlined key strategies in promoting women’s role in entrepreneurship to boost economic growth by focusing on creativity and reinforcing small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The interactive session is one of the initiatives of Sharjah Tatweer Forum to facilitate Sharjah’s sustainable development by supporting youths and empowering women through leading projects that strengthen social communication and create a future enriched by the Sharjah’s and UAE’s heritage and culture. According to the forum’s work strategy 2016, entrepreneur’s economic empowerment towards an innovative society, modern technology, and smart cities and their role in the community building will help produce a responsible generation capable of carrying forward the socio-economic development of Sharjah and the rest of the UAE.

Jassem Mohammed Al Beloushi, Chairman of Sharjah Tatweer Forum, said that the conference on women’s role in entrepreneurship comes in line with the Forum’s keenness to enhance the participation and contribution of distinctive and competent women to the UAE’s economic and investment boom, in addition, to offering new discussions between all entrepreneurs and sectors interfering in this domain. He also emphasized on the Forum’s commitment to uphold the achievements of UAE women in various vital fields and its continuous support to the UAE’s rulers, who support women by offering the necessary assistance to enhance their role in the economic development process.

“Sharjah Tatweer Forum holds responsibility in offering new opportunities to women in achieving excellence and leadership and creating a positive impact in terms of enhancing the competitiveness of Sharjah within the international economy, complementing the vision and directives of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. We are continuing with our investment in the human resources by enhancing women's capabilities and empowering young leaders to attain success within the business world, which will ultimately contribute to the development of the economy, human resources, industry, technology, and environment,” added Reem Bin Karam , Member of Board Directors, Sharjah Tatweer Forum.

Maggie Chan Jones, Chief Marketing Officer, SAP, said: "We are honored to cooperate with Sharjah Tatweer Forum in organizing this interactive session. This is a perfect opportunity to discuss effective strategies to support women entrepreneurs and understand their contribution to the economic progress and development of UAE. I am passionate about supporting women in leadership and am impressed by the women I met at Sharjah who are identifying and executing on many business opportunities that will energize the local economy. "

Sharjah Tatweer Forum was founded in 2005 by an Emiri Decree issued by H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The forum aims to raise awareness on key global and local trends, strengthen the role of the young, and tighten ties between the economic sectors in order to enhance the UAE’s competitiveness. The forum’s work is based on several frameworks, such as innovation, knowledge-based economy, and entrepreneurship. It supports construction projects that serve the emirate’s overall development as well as initiates community outreach programs, volunteer works, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. The forum also seeks to promote fruitful cooperation with major consulting firms, research centers, and international and local universities to enhance the leadership and management skills of the younger generations.