Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024 To Address Women's Empowerment And Gender Parity Challenges

The Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024 (GWFD 2024) is set to convene on 26-27 November at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. This event will gather international organisations and experts to focus on women's economic empowerment and gender parity issues. Mona Al Marri, Chairperson of the Board and Managing Director of Dubai Women Establishment, emphasised the Forum's significance, stating it is "a movement dedicated to harnessing global expertise to pave the way for equitable opportunities and to inspire women to reach their highest potential."

The Forum will feature a diverse array of global partners, each offering unique insights into the challenges and opportunities related to women's economic participation. The event promises transformative workshops and panels that highlight women's roles in driving economic, social, and environmental progress. Key partners include the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi), International Finance Corporation (IFC), World Bank, UAE Gender Balance Council (UAE GBC), Atlantic Council, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA).

The World Bank, in collaboration with the UAE Gender Balance Council, will host sessions aimed at enhancing gender equality through policy and legal frameworks. A session titled "Women, Business and the Law Report 2024" will present findings from the latest report, discussing progress and challenges in closing legal gaps affecting women's economic inclusion globally. Additionally, a panel by the UAE Gender Balance Centre for Excellence will explore strategic initiatives for advancing gender equality worldwide.

We-Fi's sessions will address systemic issues faced by women entrepreneurs in finance and climate sectors. These sessions aim to explore practical solutions for improving financial access and driving climate action through female entrepreneurship. An innovative initiative will be introduced to bridge the gender gap in finance by collaborating with global financial institutions.

The IFC sessions will showcase inspiring stories from women entrepreneurs across the MENA region who have benefited from the She Wins program. These sessions underscore The World Bank's commitment to advancing gender equality and economic inclusion. The events are open to changemakers ready to drive meaningful progress.

The Atlantic Council's session titled "Win Fellowship: Driving Tomorrow’s Innovations through Entrepreneurship" highlights investing in women-led startups' transformative impact. Two workshops organised by the Atlantic Council will focus on incorporating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into business practices and mastering networking skills for pitching business ideas to investors.

Addressing Financial Barriers

OECD's session will tackle persistent financial barriers faced by women entrepreneurs in the MENA region. By highlighting success stories from countries like the UAE, this session aims to inspire regional change and create a more inclusive investment environment.

UN OCHA's panel will spotlight the UAE's significant contributions to global humanitarian efforts. The session aims to amplify UAE's leadership in addressing emergencies while supporting gender-balanced initiatives and engaging youth in humanitarian work.

Mona Ghanem Al Marri remarked on GWFD 2024's collaborative spirit: "The GWFD 2024 stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, bringing together global partners who share a vision for a more inclusive, equitable world." This forum is not just about discussing ideas but creating actionable platforms that unlock women's potential across all sectors.

The Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024 embodies a commitment to advancing women's empowerment across social, economic, and political spheres. By bringing together world-renowned organisations to share insights and best practices, it aims to bridge gender gaps and promote a resilient, inclusive global economy.

With inputs from WAM