Dubai Women's College hosts Afghani women entrepreneurs

The program is facilitated by the Business Council for Peace (Bpeace), a New York-based international network of business volunteers that helps women in war-torn countries build sustainable businesses. Their slogan, "more jobs mean less violence" highlights the mission of their program. The Afghani businesswomen were accompanied by eight American volunteers who will mentor and support the women over a two-year period.

During a five-day conference held at DWC, participating Afghani businesswomen, who came from Kabul, Mazar, Herat, Balkh and Ghazni, received training provided by DWC students and teachers in marketing, accounting, and human resources. In addition to educating the participants on practical business knowledge, DWC organized site visits to Dubai's small to mid-size businesses directly related to the businesses in which the Afghani businesswomen operate.

During the site visits, participants met with business owners and management and discussed best practices they have enacted to provide better quality products and received advice on how to build a sustainable business. "Meeting and working with the Afghani businesswomen was an inspiration for our students and faculty. Their determination, persistence and commitment to further develop their communities are outstanding and we cannot find better role models to teach us real entrepreneurship," said Dr. Howard Reed, Senior Director at the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) and Director at DWC.

The participating Afghani women currently own and run businesses in printing, broadcasting, carpentry, beekeeping, food processing, dried food, business development consultancy, pre-school education, and retail. "These Afghani entrepreneurs are courageous women who have overcome many challenges to create businesses we all would have thought were impossible just six years ago," said Dr. Monica Gallant, Business Department Chair at DWC. "The Dubai businesses that shared their time and expertise with our guests provided critical advice on their own success."

Faculty from the College donated their time to conduct specially-tailored workshops for the Afghani entrepreneurs. DWC students also participated in various events during the week. In addition, the Diploma student- run shop, Al Waha, donated gifts of cosmetics and bags to the visiting businesswomen.

Marina Home Interiors sponsored the week-long program for the Afghani entrepreneurs and provided advice to one entrepreneur who owns a furniture factory. The Nail Spa also generously provided manicures for the visiting women. Almulla Hospitality, a Shariah compliant hotel management company, hosted two of the participants and briefed them on the huge potential the hospitality industry can offer to support micro enterprise.