Egyptian Entrepreneurs Invited to Join Sharjah Business Women Council

In a move aimed at enhancing cooperation and sharing expertise with the businesswomen community in the UAE and beyond, Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) - a subsidiary of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment (NAMA) - has granted the ‘Joyoon’ membership to 14 Egyptian female entrepreneurs. The invitation to become members of the scheme was sent to recent graduates of the ‘Ana Raeda’ programme, an initiative from Egypt’s Ministry of Trade and Industry.

As Joyoon members, the entrepreneurs from Egypt will have access to privileges and have responsibilities towards the other members, as they will be mentors who can share their expertise in the field of entrepreneurship and who can utiltise their potential to enhance economic development.

SBWC granted the graduates the membership following a meeting held earlier this month with Ana Raeda to strengthen joint efforts to empower women and highlight their vital role in business.

“Granting SBWC membership to an elite group of Egyptian women entrepreneurs falls under our commitment to sharing knowledge and to providing solutions that best support women in business. Having these ladies join our Joyoon scheme allows SBWC’s members to learn from their experiences and skills and helps them learn more about the Egyptian market should they wish to explore opportunities for expanding their businesses there," said Sheikha Hind bint Majid Al Qassimi, Acting Chairperson of SBWC.

SBWC offers three types of membership; Yakah, Shireena and Joyoon. All SBWC members are eligible to apply for Yakah membership, which is free-of-charge and which provides members with an exclusive package of benefits and privileges to suit their individual businesses and interests. The Shireena scheme is a paid membership programme designated exclusively for outstanding SBWC members, while the Joyoon scheme is an invitation-only membership given exclusively to the most outstanding female entrepreneurs and businesswomen who are selected by SBWC’s board members.

The three schemes offer standard benefits where women can save over AED 40,000 from discounts and special offers from a range of shops and restaurants. Women enrolled in any one of the programmes are eligible to attend monthly activities and events organised by the council and are provided with an integrated support network to promote their companies, products and services.

The trio of membership programmes allows women access to regular workshops and customised training by industry experts on a variety of topics, such as leadership, securing financing, leveraging technology and creating a positive work environment. The schemes also provide women with networking opportunities and entitle them to attend SBWC’s award and gala nights. A number of additional benefits are exclusive for Shireena and Joyoon membership holders.

Sharjah Business Women Council was established in 2002 to create and enhance the work environment for women and train and prepare women to enter private economic activities that will lead to greater economic, professional and social development.

To achieve this, SBWC carries out a range of programmes and activities including conferences, seminars, workshops and research. It also forges partnerships with government and private organisations and foundations in the UAE and beyond. The primary goal of the Sharjah Business Women Council is to encourage women to excel in the field of business and to facilitate the healthy growth of women-owned businesses. The Sharjah Business Women Council operates under the umbrella of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment, chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah.