Beyond Boundaries: SBWC’s Visionary Approach to Elevating Female Entrepreneurs
The Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) has marked an impressive start to 2023, with its dedicated efforts in empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering a vibrant business culture. Led by Mariam Rashid Bin Al Shaikh, the Director of SBWC, the council has strategically focused on upskilling, networking, and expanding horizons for its member community, comprising over 2,000 businesswomen and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Recognising the pivotal role of women in driving societal success, Mariam Rashid Bin Al Shaikh emphasised, "Empowering women with the right knowledge, skill sets, and connections across various market sectors is essential for the prosperity of the community. We are delighted with the outcomes of our endeavours to integrate and enhance the role of women in the UAE's economy this year."
In pursuit of fostering a dynamic business ecosystem, SBWC has launched a remarkable 45 targeted initiatives to support and promote female entrepreneurs. The council's global network, spanning 48 nations, has paved the way for new markets and opportunities. Additionally, SBWC's streamlined service has facilitated seamless entry for women seeking business setups in Sharjah, further enhancing the business landscape.
The council's commitment to unlocking the potential of women entrepreneurs has been evident through a plethora of activities. These include introductory meetings, networking events, and expert-led workshops, designed to expose members to diverse opportunities in sectors such as fashion, F&B, and perfumes.
SBWC's member businesses have enjoyed significant exposure at prominent community events, including the Ramadaniyat event at Sharjah's House of Wisdom and the Azyan event at Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre (JRCC). The International Women's Day celebrations also provided a platform for showcasing member businesses to targeted audiences through pop-ups at multiple locations across Sharjah.
A highlight of SBWC's efforts was the exclusive platform, #SBWC Talks, which enabled members to share insights, explore best practices, and learn from accomplished business professionals. Notable among these talks was "The Roadmap to Business Success," presented by Saeed Ghanem Al Suwaidi.
Furthermore, SBWC facilitated engaging discussions such as the Khorfakkan Majlis, where member Alia Taryam led the wellness industry spotlight section. The council's commitment to fostering knowledge exchange was exemplified through workshops like "Money Talks" in Kalba, led by Latifa Bin Haider, the founder of Baytuki. In a bid to enhance international connections, members participated in a delegation visit, strengthening ties with European colleagues.
SBWC's dedication to empowering women extended to various insightful events, including the "Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women in Business for a Sustainable Tomorrow" event at the American University in Sharjah, the "Celebrating the Accomplishments of Women Entrepreneurs" hosted by the House of Wisdom, and the "Women in Leadership in Technology Summit" organised by the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP).
Looking ahead, SBWC remains committed to tailored initiatives that enable its members to seize existing and emerging growth opportunities within the UAE's pro-investor business landscape. With a special emphasis on non-traditional sectors such as technology and agritech, SBWC's continued efforts promise to shape a thriving future for women entrepreneurs, contributing significantly to the nation's economic progress.
