UAE paving way for more women in business world

Dr Raja Al Gurg, president of the DBWC.

There is nothing strange about when it comes to opportunities and support for women, the UAE leads the region. Innumerable initiatives taken by the UAE government to narrow the gender gap have paved the way for many women to set up their businesses, or rise in their career. Now, women in the UAE are taking big strides in the cabinet and boardrooms of large corporations.
The establishment of the Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) was one of such decisions that turned out be the bellwether of women empowerment in Dubai's thriving economy.
This year, the the DBWC celebrated 17 years of working with Dubai's growing community of aspirational, forward-thinking and influential women - a journey that has seen the council give its members the confidence to inspire their communities daily.
Through the many forums and workshops, the DBWC continues to engage with a wide cross-section of innovative local, regional and international businesses that share the UAE's vision to drive the cause of gender balance through personal and professional development.
"The UAE leadership and society have rightly acknowledged the role of women in the economy by creating equal employment opportunities. There is unlimited potential among the women in the UAE. We must unlock it for the benefit of all," said Dr Raja Al Gurg, president of the DBWC.
The UAE is ranked as a leader in gender equality in the region, according to the World Economic Forum's 2014 Global Gender Gap report. "The UAE is a nation committed to providing equal opportunities to enable women to play a lead role in contributing to the country's development. It is only when the contributions of both men and women are valued equally that we can achieve a brighter future, full of ideas with input from people across society. The DBWC provides a valuable platform to stimulate proactive thinking that will facilitate greater action towards achieving gender parity in the workplace," Dr Al Gurg noted.
"At the heart of the council's ongoing work is our commitment to support women in Dubai and help them participate fully across all areas of economic life. Encouraging entrepreneurship is an important part of inspiring women to be the best they can be and supporting them in unlocking their potential," she added.
Filling the gap
The Dubai Business Women Council was established in 2002 to fill a gap in the Dubai economy.
It was also meant to motivate women to follow the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, when he said: "It is not strange for a UAE woman to be an ambassador; she who proves herself merits praise and encouragement."
This inspirational leadership has played an instrumental role in spearheading significant progress towards the participation of Gulf women in economic progress and the wider society.
The DBWC has evolved from its roots in supporting women empowerment within Dubai and now serves as a platform to inspire holistic development and the aspirations of women in a gender-balanced society. By providing strategic education, training and networking opportunities to ambitious UAE-based women, the DBWC continues to create a genuine movement of trailblazing women who have a positive influence on society and affect positive change towards the acceptance of women in business.
- riaz@khaleejtimes.com