'Arab Women Leaders Network' launched

Over 500 outstanding Arab women leaders representing diverse fields were present for the launch on the final day of the forum that was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. It was organised by Dubai Women's Establishment (DWE) in collaboration with the Dubai School of Government (DSG) as the knowledge partners.

Mona Al Marri, Chairperson of the Dubai Women Establishment, launched the network on behalf of Her Highness Sheikha Manal.

The latest DWE initiative seeks to promote advancement of women across the Arab world by creating a network for both established and aspiring leaders. The network seeks to become a medium through which Arab women can connect with one another, sharing their collective experiences and insight, ultimately empowering women in the region. The latest initiative is expected to facilitate mentorship of the future generation of leaders by prominent and veteran women of the region.

Mona Al Marri said:

"The inaugural Arab Women Leadership Forum has demonstrated the immense wealth of knowledge and experience women possess in the region. We have launched this network as a professional tool that will significantly facilitate collective growth of women in the Arab world. By coming together for this forum to launch the network, women in the region have affirmed their willingness to contribute to an appropriate platform with a relevant agenda. The network is part of a comprehensive strategy DWE has devised for the benefit of Arab women. We are confident we will be able to launch more such initiatives to pool collective resources for the advancement of women in the Arab world."

The second day of the Arab Women's Leadership Forum also witnessed a series of workshops and break-out sessions for audiences including UAE national students, professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs. The segments primarily served a motivational purpose, highlighting DWE's five-year multipronged strategy.

A focus group was also held on the future development of the Dubai Women's Establishment led by Maitha Al-Shamsi, Managing Director of DWE, and Her Excellency Sheikha Najla Al Qassimi, Ambassador and Plenipotentiary of the UAE to Sweden. The group consisting DWE members and high profile conference attendees discussed the future strategy for the development of DWE in light of new challenges and opportunities.

The two-day event at the Monarch Hotel titled 'Women and Leadership: Global Trends and Local Innovations', was designed to closely examine challenges hindering the advancement of Arab women and help develop a blueprint on their future role in the region.