SBWC And European Women’s Association Collaborate To Empower Women Entrepreneurs And Boost Investments

The Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) has entered into a partnership with the European Women’s Association (EWA) in Brussels. This collaboration aims to share best practices, encourage bilateral investments, and organise joint events in Belgium and Europe. The agreement was signed during SBWC's participation in the Sharjah-Europe Business Women Forum held from 22nd to 26th September.

Mariam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of SBWC, and Yulia Stark, Founder of EWA, signed the MoU. It focuses on empowering women in entrepreneurship to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. The agreement aims to create a supportive environment for female entrepreneurs to address challenges they face. Both parties will work towards enhancing women's economic empowerment through various initiatives.

The MoU also outlines plans for promoting investment opportunities in both regions. It aims to address shared interests and align efforts with goals of fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology. This collaboration will extend to regional and international events across the EU, GCC, and MENA regions.

The agreement includes provisions for inviting each other to seminars, conferences, and initiatives hosted by their organisations. It allows female leaders to engage with policymakers on sustainability and women’s empowerment. Distinguished speakers, mentors, and experts will be nominated for training sessions. Scholarships and participation in programs organised by either party or their partners are also included.

Mariam bin Al Shaikh commented on the partnership: "The new partnership with the European Women’s Association marks a pivotal step in our mission to empower the council’s members. It stands as a clear testament to SBWC’s unwavering dedication to advancing their role in key economic sectors, strengthening their capacities, and driving the growth of their businesses and ventures."

Forum Participation Highlights

SBWC's involvement in the Sharjah-Europe Business Women Forum aimed to promote female entrepreneurship. Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry with EWA's collaboration, it sought to enhance cooperation among women in economic sectors. The forum attracted officials from Sharjah government entities alongside 500 international participants including entrepreneurs from UAE, Belgium, and Europe.

During a panel discussion at the forum titled ‘Accelerating women’s economic empowerment through partnership’, speakers addressed challenges faced by businesswomen when forming new partnerships. They discussed successful models that have strengthened women's economic roles and how these collaborations positively impact economic empowerment.

This memorandum is crucial for positioning Sharjah as a global leader in entrepreneurship. It highlights Sharjah's significance as a gateway to Middle Eastern markets while showcasing its unique advantages for international partners.

With inputs from WAM