Sharjah Chamber Highlights Women's Economic Empowerment At Sharjah-Europe Businesswomen Forum

The Sharjah-Europe Businesswomen Forum highlighted the urgent need to boost women's economic empowerment for sustainable development. Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) with the European Women’s Association (EWA), the event stressed that access to resources and expertise is crucial for women entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses. The forum also emphasised public-private partnerships and chambers of commerce's role in supporting these efforts.

Halima Humaid Ali Al Owais, a Board Member of SCCI, noted that the UAE is dedicated to enhancing women's economic roles. She stated, "The UAE views women's empowerment as vital for a robust economy." Over 25,000 Emirati businesswomen are registered with UAE chambers, managing investments exceeding 16 billion USD globally. This underscores their significant impact on the national economy.

During the forum in Brussels, Belgium, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between Sharjah entities and EWA. A key agreement by SCCI aims to strengthen trade relations and foster mutual economic cooperation. It supports businesswomen by encouraging bilateral investments and increasing collaborative activities between Sharjah's private sector and European businesses.

The forum's inaugural session focused on women's economic empowerment through partnerships as a driver for inclusive growth. Discussions highlighted how diverse stakeholders' resources can accelerate empowerment. The second session explored innovative funding solutions for women-led businesses, aiming to support SMEs' growth and sustainability in today's dynamic landscape.

Yulia Stark, President of EWA, linked sustainability with gender equality, stating that equality is essential for human progress. She highlighted that women reinvest 90% of their earnings into families and communities compared to men's 35%. Stark concluded by stressing the need to unleash women's potential in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Collaborative Efforts

Mariam Bin Al Shaikh from SBWC emphasised collaboration as a strategy for economic transformation. She stated that engaging with institutions sharing common goals amplifies outcomes. "Our focus on increasing women entrepreneurs' share in the UAE's economy is crucial," she added, highlighting efforts to represent Sharjah internationally for cooperation opportunities.

Fatema Al-Muqarrab from SCCI noted that the forum marked a new era of cooperation between Sharjah and Belgium. She pointed out that active participation helps facilitate international partnerships and explore innovation opportunities. The successful visit agenda included discussions on fostering partnerships across various sectors.

The forum showcased successful case studies of female entrepreneurs from the UAE and Europe. These stories highlighted their investment decision-making experiences and effective use of incentives available in both regions' business environments. Participants gained insights into key initiatives contributing to enhancing their entrepreneurial experiences.

The event concluded with anticipation for next year's edition in Sharjah, reinforcing its role as an inspiring platform for businesswomen. It serves as a channel for communication and knowledge exchange, motivating attendees to eagerly await future forums aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration among women entrepreneurs globally.

With inputs from WAM