Sharjah Women Impact Fellowship Launches With Twelve Innovative Founders Committed To Social Change

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), recently inaugurated the first Sharjah Women Impact Fellowship (SWIF) at Bait Elowal. This event marked the introduction of 12 pioneering women founders whose ventures embody innovation and a commitment to social and economic impact. The launch was attended by notable figures including Najla Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of Sheraa, and Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa.

The fellowship aims to empower women entrepreneurs by providing them with resources to scale their ventures. It offers an AED 500,000 equity-free grant, funded by Dr. Asma Fikri and Amna Fikri in memory of their father, Dr. Mahmoud Mohamed Fikri. This grant honours his legacy of promoting women's leadership and community well-being, ensuring his values inspire future changemakers.

Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi emphasised Sharjah’s dedication to empowering women to create ventures that blend purpose with economic value. She stated: "Sheraa’s mission has always centered on people; their potential, their ideas, and their ability to create meaningful change when supported by the right environment." The fellowship supports established founders in expanding their reach and leveraging Sheraa’s ecosystem for growth.

Najla Al Midfa highlighted the fellowship's role in uniting women founders who are shaping Sharjah’s entrepreneurial landscape through innovation and impact. She said: "The Sharjah Women Impact Fellowship turns shared purpose into shared power, proving that when women rise together, entire economies rise with them." The programme is designed not only for scaling ventures but also for building connections among women leaders.

The launch event featured a keynote address by Dr. Asma Mahmoud Fikri, who discussed SWIF's mission to advance impact-driven leadership among women founders. A panel discussion titled "Blueprints of Legacy Building" followed, featuring Mouza Al Abbar and Faiza Bouguessa. Moderated by Sally Mousa, the discussion explored how women entrepreneurs create lasting legacies through intentional leadership.

Guests enjoyed an Emirati-inspired culinary experience followed by high tea and networking opportunities. This set a warm tone for the event, fostering connections among attendees. A group photo session and closing remarks concluded the evening, marking the start of a transformative journey for the fellowship participants.

Legacy of Empowerment

Sheraa has been instrumental in supporting over 450 startups since its inception, generating more than USD 370 million in revenue and attracting nearly USD 300 million in investment. Notably, 51% of these startups were founded or co-founded by women. This reflects Sharjah’s commitment to human empowerment and innovation driven by purpose.

The event concluded with gratitude expressed towards partners who played a crucial role in realising this milestone fellowship. Their support ensures that SWIF continues to inspire a new generation of female leaders dedicated to making impactful changes within their communities.

With inputs from WAM