EBWA Award 2007 commemorates International Women's Day by extending deadline for application

Shell extended the deadline to accommodate more candidates, and as a commemorative gesture for the International Women's Day, which is celebrated by various women's groups worldwide.

The March 4 deadline has been extended to March 28. The EBWA Award will honour its winners on May 7th.

"This is a very encouraging and timely move by Shell as we celebrate International Women's Day. I encourage women entrepreneurs and professionals to take advantage of this opportunity to be part of a revered group that upholds their rights and welfare. Their participation will be a very rewarding experience as the event opens new channels for business growth and career development through EBWA's extensive resources and programme partners," said Omar AL Qurashi, Communications Manager at Shell Markets.

"Shell joins the rest of the world in celebration of this special day for women. We have extended the deadline for applications to further stimulate participation in this prestigious event and to show our support to the women's organizations that are commemorating this very significant day for women," said Mr. Al Qurashi.

The EBWA Award is open to UAE Nationals and expatriates, and has two categories - Business Owners and Professionals. Applicants in the Business Owners category must own a business in the UAE that has been in operation for a minimum of three years. The applicant must also be primarily responsible for the current performance of the business. For the Professional category, the applicant may be employed in any professional sector in the UAE for a minimum of three years.

The criteria for the awards are leadership; future goals and financial performance; business, professional and career achievements; community contributions; and participation and innovation.

Shell organized a series of well-attended workshops held in the different emirates to promote awareness of the EBWA Award and encourage women to submit themselves for consideration for the various awards categories. The workshops also discussed important points on business and were conducted by women's group leaders and previous winners of the EBWA Award.

The EBWA Award was launched in 2003 by Shell in cooperation with Dubai Quality Group to highlight the contributions of women to the economic progress of the UAE. The event also serves as an effective platform for women entrepreneurs and professionals to interact and share expertise.