Intel Regional Director addresses education and digital inclusion at 'The New Arab Woman' Forum on Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility

In a move that highlights Intel's commitment to education and to the empowerment of Arab women as thought leaders in the region, Aysegul Ildeniz, Regional Director for Intel Middle East, Turkey and Africa, will be discussing education, digital inclusion and the role of women at The New Arab Woman, a forum on leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility, set to take place on October 21 - 22 at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

'Corporate Social Responsibility and leadership are vital topics in today's global economy and are taking increasing importance in the Arab world. As such, we see this forum as a springboard to address the prevalence of catered digital inclusion programs, education and the empowerment of women in the Arab world,' said Aysegul Ildeniz.

Commenting on her views about careers for women in the IT sector, Ildeniz confirmed that she believed that since the IT sector is very agile and fast-paced, women who chose to develop careers in this field had greater opportunities for an accelerated career track.
She also added, 'As technology empowers an increasingly educated female labour force, women will continue to thrive and play a pioneering role in today's ecosystem.'

As part of Intel's commitment to proliferating digital inclusion opportunities to citizens under the Intel World Ahead Program mandate, Intel collaborates with national and worldwide NGOs and governments to provide people with accessibility, education, connectivity and content that are customized for their local needs. As part of the Intel ® Teach Program, focusing on women as key educators of the next generation is instrumental to success in emerging markets.

'Intel is committed to educating youth and enhancing their entrepreneurial skills, as this translates into long-term benefits for the community,' added Ildeniz. 'By working with market players to expand these initiatives regionally, we can help increase the level of competitiveness, emphasize the exchange of knowledge and encourage students to excel and reach the next level of performance.'

In the Arab world, Intel works with numerous NGOs including INJAZ Al Arab to promote Arab talent and endorse youth's entrepreneurial skills. In doing so, Intel has taken a leading role in championing this regional student company competition in which 200 high-school finalists enrol in the INJAZ Company Program from nine Arab countries to compete in the 'Battle for the Best Student Company'.

According to the Arab Competitiveness Report published by the World Economic Forum Dead Sea in 2007, the participation rate among women in MENA was about 27.5 percent in 2000. By 2005, it had increased to nearly 30.5 percent. Also young women's participation in the labor force increased from 23.5 percent in 2000 to nearly 24.9 percent in 2005. The rising participation rates for women are due in part to higher educational attainment by women and to the employment of educated workers by governments.