Women Economic Empowerment Global Summit to Host Innovation and Entrepreneurship Sessions

NAMA Women Advancement Establishment has announced that the first edition of the Women Economic Empowerment Global Summit (WEEGS) will include two interactive sessions on entrepreneurship and innovation for women, with the activities hosting an array of established female entrepreneurs providing tips on how to achieve success.

Taking place December 4-5 at Expo Centre Sharjah, WEEGS - which is being held in conjunction with UN Women - will provide an opportunity for women entrepreneurs and business owners to gain invaluable insights into the world of business and to learn from others’ experiences, giving them the inspiration to turn their ideas into profitable ventures.   

Day one of the conference will see ‘Power Talk: Enabling Environment for Women’ highlight ways to support the growth of an entrepreneurial culture for women. The session will discuss the elements needed for success and their role in strengthening the competitive edge of businesses owned by female entrepreneurs. Under the spotlight will be conditions of enablement, provision of support and incentive programmes that can help women can achieve excellence economically and professionally.

Speaking at the session will be Jassem Al Bloushi, Board Chairman of Sharjah Tatweer Forum; Elizabeth Filippouli, Founder & CEO of Global Thinkers Forum; Assia Riccio, Founder of Evolvin' Women; Radwan Big and Ahlam Al lamki, Deputy Director of the General Women's Union for Associations, Committees and Activities Affairs and Director of Department of Studies and Research.

Titled ‘Power Talk: My Journey,’ the second session on day two of the summit, will bring together an array of successful businesswomen who will speak about their journey into the world of entrepreneurship and how they managed to convert challenges into opportunities. Speakers will throw light on the fundamental principles that helped them establish a strong footing in the market and the importance of innovation and creativity in implementing ideas to achieve entrepreneurial success.

Participants in this second session will include Kawthar Bin Sulayem, Emirati media professional who has established several successful local projects; Brazilian entrepreneur Tatiana Takikawa, owner of a distribution company; Dr. Amal Al Ali, Assistant Professor at the College of Business Administration at the University of Sharjah and Head of the Organising Committee of the International Forum on Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Panelists will also include Moza Al Khayal, Head of Strategy and Business Development for Sharjah Ladies Club branches and Hala Kazim, Emirati author, social influencer, entrepreneur and founder of positive transformation programme 'Journey Through Change.’

“The Women Economic Empowerment Global Summit will include a range of important topics related to efforts aiming to empower business women and female entrepreneurs in different economic sectors and encourage a new generation of women entrepreneurs who have not found the right opportunity yet to turn their business ideas into rewarding enterprises that both benefit them and contribute to the national economy,” said Reem BinKaram, Director of NAMA.

“The format of the sessions is such that they allow audiences to talk spontaneously to and interact directly with the entrepreneurs on stage, making the sessions more engaging for audiences. Entry to these sessions is free for everyone to allow the largest number of entrepreneurs and business owners to attend,” BinKaram continued.

The inaugural edition of WEEGS will comprise seven panel discussions featuring an elite group of experts from the UAE and the international business community who will highlight the best ways to empower women economically and to enhance their participation in sustainable development as effective contributors and key partners. The summit will also include six sector-specific sessions highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of women empowerment, with the sessions covering 16 sectors; notably energy, sustainability, city planning, transport and logistics, health and media.

The first edition of WEEGS is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah and his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment and Honorary Patron for Global Women’s Inclusion to achieve the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly in September 2015.