Sharjah Business Women Council Boosts Female Entrepreneurship In Early 2024

The Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) has made notable strides in the first half of 2024, bolstering its role in promoting female entrepreneurship and fostering economic and social growth. Under the guidance of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Council has become a key player in supporting women entrepreneurs through various initiatives and events.

One significant initiative by SBWC was the SBWC Pop-ups, targeting members in the food and beverage sector. This initiative allowed members to display their businesses and products in public spaces and government institutions across Sharjah. The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Sharjah Documentation and Archives Authority were among the participants. Plans are underway to extend this initiative to include a wider range of businesses from different sectors.

In February 2024, SBWC took part in the seventh Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF), which drew 10,000 attendees. During SEF, SBWC sponsored a workshop titled "How to build products like Airbnb and Canva by being design-led," conducted by Silver Fern Digital. This workshop taught design thinking principles for creating top-tier platforms and software. Additionally, SBWC sponsored the ‘Social Impact’ track in the SEF Startup Pitch Competition, supporting diversity and empowerment with prizes totalling AED200,000 across four categories.

In March, SBWC participated in the annual Azyan Exhibition, which supports women in fashion and jewellery sectors. This event provided a platform for SBWC members to showcase their unique ventures, highlighting women's contributions to Sharjah’s economic and cultural landscape. The participation emphasised SBWC’s commitment to development efforts and enhancing members' roles locally and globally.

SBWC also initiated field visits to members’ businesses during the first quarter of 2024. These visits aimed to strengthen connections and explore opportunities for support or collaboration. Members' products and projects were highlighted on the council’s social media accounts, increasing their visibility.

International Engagements

To broaden international perspectives for businesswomen in Sharjah, SBWC organised several international trips led by Mariam bin Al Shaikh, Director of SBWC. Participants visited pioneering female-led ventures and attended the BRICS Women’s Entrepreneurship Forum in Moscow from June 1st to 5th. This forum facilitated discussions on advancing women's entrepreneurship within BRICS nations as part of Russia’s BRICS Chairship in 2024.

Mariam bin Al Shaikh stated, "The Council enhances its influence annually, cementing its position as a leader in empowering Emirati women and spearheading comprehensive economic and social development." She added that SBWC's achievements represent significant progress in women's leadership roles aligned with H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi's vision.

Educational Initiatives

In May, SBWC collaborated with the American University of Sharjah (AUS) to launch a roundtable discussion series over two years aimed at enhancing entrepreneurial sectors within the UAE, especially for women. These sessions focus on educational aspects to empower female entrepreneurs by gathering data, fostering knowledge exchange, and finding solutions based on recommendations from diverse stakeholders.

The inaugural session titled "The Female Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in the UAE" examined the current business landscape for female business owners across Sharjah and other emirates. This topic was chosen following a survey by SBWC and AUS to evaluate areas needing improvement within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Future-Oriented Discussions

The council also organised a session titled ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Business’, led by Dr Gopal Kutwaroo, Managing Director of The Value Space. This talk covered AI's role in enhancing efficiency, streamlining operations, and improving customer experiences.

The proactive approach of SBWC included launching tours and field visits that offered valuable support to its members. By partnering with prominent entrepreneurial and academic institutions, it expanded its reach during this period.

The Council's efforts have solidified its position as a catalyst for female entrepreneurship while contributing significantly to Sharjah's economic fabric through various initiatives designed to support women entrepreneurs.

With inputs from WAM