International Women Board Of Directors Launches Saudi Chapter In Riyadh

The International Women Board of Directors (IWBD) recently celebrated a significant milestone with the inauguration of its Saudi chapter, marked by the Women's Leadership Connection Lunch at The St. Regis in Riyadh on March 6. This pivotal event was designed to strengthen the leadership skills and networks of senior women in corporate roles throughout the Middle East, spotlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion within corporate governance.

The gathering attracted over 75 board members, C-suite executives, and decision-makers from various sectors, all dedicated to enhancing the representation of women in Saudi Arabia's boardrooms. Through meaningful dialogues and exchanges, attendees fostered connections aimed at bolstering women's leadership roles in the region.

Poonam Chawla, Co-founder & Managing Director of IWBD, shared her enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, "Bringing IWBD to Saudi Arabia marks a significant achievement. Our goals are ambitious, focusing on enhancing gender diversity on corporate boards to improve performance indicators, profitability, and community growth. We collaborate with both local and international partners to support the appointment of more women as board directors. Inspired by Vision 2030, we are determined to replicate the successes achieved in the UAE and build a strong community of women supporting each other."

Princess Lolowa Nawaf Alsaud, Chair of the Board at Mawaddah Association For Family Stability, highlighted the progress of Saudi women in leadership roles, asserting, "Saudi female leaders are no longer an exception but a testament to the country's advancements. We uphold our Saudi identity and values while achieving global success. Our women, ranging from ambassadors to athletes and scientists, lead with intelligence, compassion, and individuality, embodying the aspirations set forth by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman."

Rawan Yaqub, Business Unit Director at Mindshare and Advisory Board Member of IWBD, emphasised the importance of diverse boards, commenting, "Diverse cultures and genders on boards lead to exceptional outcomes. Witnessing Saudi women excel not only locally but also internationally across various sectors is truly inspiring."

The IWBD plans to launch multiple initiatives in Saudi Arabia aimed at mentoring, training, and networking for women leaders. For further details about these initiatives, contact Poonam Chawla at [email protected].