DBWC to take part in 'Vital Voices' Jordan conference in November 2007

During the meeting, Mrs. Rajaa emphasized the importance of communicating and cooperating with international and non-profit organizations that support women to develop their capabilities in the economic, social, political and human rights fields.

The meeting took place at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) where Mrs. Rajaa welcomed Mrs. Melanne and discussed the main issues in which Arab businesswomen in general and Emirati woman in particular are focused on. They talked on the ways of enhancing women's role in different fields and to raise her profile positively in society.

Mrs. Rajaa said that the efforts made by international organizations for bridging the gulf between the rest of the world and the Middle East was still not satisfying, since women in the region needed more care to fulfill her important role in society, especially with the increase of educated women and the rise in their awareness. Now they are also qualified to take high positions in the work domain and to have their voices heard in the political field, she added.

However, the utilization of Arab capabilities in terms of economic achievements and political participation remains the lowest in the world in quantitative terms as evidenced by the fact that in 2005, women made up only 28 per cent of the workforce. One of the reasons identified for this state of affairs is the lack or awareness of the opportunities available. Another is the need for specific management skill and competences.

Ms. Rajaa Easa Al Gurg said that there are 10,700 businesswomen in the Emirates. Their investment in the Emirates alone is worth more than 12.5 billion dirhams, distributed in different sectors. "Emirati women are involved in all fields of economic endeavor," she noted. She also said that women make up 40 percent of the Emirates' workforce.

Mrs. Melanne Verveer expressed her admiration for what the Emirati woman has achieved in the economic and political fields and the high positions she occupies in society. She also praised the comprehensive growth the UAE is witnessing in general and Dubai in particular, which makes it an important business center in the region.

Mrs. Verveer, who has more than 25 years experience in the fields of non-profit public service, foreign policy development, business communication and philanthropy, explained that "Vital Voices" objectives are based on the importance of women's participation in society. Therefore the organization invests in emerging women leaders, who are pioneers of economic development, political participation and human rights in their countries. The organization helps them build their capabilities, connections and gives them the credibility they need to unlock their potential as catalysts of national and global progress.

To fulfill its mission, the organization fosters global connections among women, organizes conferences and creates training programs for awareness. "Vital Voices" is chaired by Senator Hillary Clinton in an honorary capacity and it envisions a world of peace, justice and economic opportunity for all. It aims to build a world where the voice of every woman is heard and respected.

Mrs. Verveer extended a warm welcome to Mrs. Rajaa and requested her to choose a delegation of DBWC members to participate in the conference that will be held in Jordan in November, 2007.

Mrs. Rajaa, while accepting Mrs. Verveer's invitation, suggested that social specialists may also be included in the delegation along with DBWC members to make the new generation aware about the importance of fighting illnesses in society like breast cancer. Both parties agreed to continue the breast cancer awareness campaign which Carine Huse from US Foreign Affairs had launched earlier. They pointed out that the campaign had great effect on businesswomen and noted its importance for women to reassure them about their health which positively and negatively impacts their social performance and economic progress.