Sharjah Business Women Council discuss social responsibility

Author Manal shared her experiences of being an international aid worker in Iraq from 2003 to 2005 that resulted in publishing her book Barefoot in Baghdad: A Story of Identity - My Own- and what it means to be a Woman in Chaos.

The author worked very closely with Iraqi women who were trying to make sense of their place in a completely new and chaotic society. She was able to provide a valuable first -hand insights on Iraqi women struggle for freedom and identity in the midst of a brutal war.

Author Manal concluded that business and economy are main factors of the comprehensive development of our societies. A flourished business environment will have a positive effect on the quality of life as well as per capita GDP, leading to a stronger economic structure that can withstand global economic crises.

She also emphasized that social and economic development depends on cooperation of the whole society males and females. It is essential for women to study the market demands before venturing into business and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Author Manal admired the role played by the SBWC to empower business and professional women to set and realize their ambitions in both traditional and non-traditional sectors. Many women around the world are not privileged to have organizations dedicated to advocating and supporting them.

Sheikha Amal Mana Al Maktoum, Secretary General of SBWC Executive Committee, said that SBWC is offering its services to potential and established business and professional women. The SBWC is also working in unity with businessmen as well as concerned authorities in the UAE to develop economic, trade and industrial activities.

Sheikha Amal added, SBWC is seeking, through this talk, to promote a culture of social responsibility in the business community as leading innovative social projects can create many opportunities for economic growth in the country while achieving social sustainability.

The talk was held at the Sharjah Ladies Club and was attended by Ameera A. Binkaram, Chairperson of Sharjah Business Women Council, Khawla Jassim Al Serkal, Director of Sharjah Ladies Club, Sheikha Amal Mana Al Maktoum, Secretary General of SBWC Executive Committee, Nafisa Ahmed Al Mulla, Member of SBWC Executive Committee, Dr. Sawsan A. Al Madi, Secretary General of Friends of Cancer Patients, Rula Khalafawi, Information Resource Center Director at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi, Stephanie Sandoval, Cultural Affairs Officer at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi, and a number of businesswomen and women of the society.