Sharjah Women Impact Fellowship Launches To Advance Female Leadership In Entrepreneurship

The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), under the guidance of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, has introduced the Sharjah Women Impact Fellowship (SWIF). This initiative aims to enhance women's leadership in entrepreneurship by providing a platform for impactful growth and community transformation. Officially launched on 28th August, this programme seeks to identify and support promising women entrepreneurs ready to expand their influence.

Registration for this fellowship is open until 5th October. Interested candidates can apply through the official website. The programme reflects Sheraa’s dedication to gender equity, with 52% of its ventures led by women, surpassing global norms. It aligns with Sheraa's mission to support entrepreneurs at every stage by offering essential resources, mentorship, and networks.

Sheikha Bodour stated, "Sharjah has long championed women’s empowerment and strengthened their leadership roles. Today, we are entering a new phase of empowerment, one where women’s success becomes a platform that elevates society toward broader horizons of growth and innovation. The Sharjah Women Impact Fellowship embodies this vision, serving as a space for development and a platform that turns the success of every entrepreneur into an opportunity to open new pathways for those around her, contributing to a more diverse economy and a stronger, more cohesive society."

The fellowship spans 16 weeks from November 2025 to February 2026. It will gather 12 outstanding founders who have demonstrated their venture's potential and are now prepared to scale their impact. The curriculum follows a structured "4D framework" — Discover, Define, Develop, Deepen — combining personal leadership development with practical venture-building.

Participants will engage in activities like the ‘Founder’s Practice Lab’, investor roadshows, immersive leadership retreats, and presentations at major events such as the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival. These experiences aim to equip participants with the skills needed for sustainable business growth.

Najla Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of Sheraa, remarked that SWIF places women entrepreneurs at the centre of national progress. "The Sharjah Women Impact Fellowship places women entrepreneurs at the very centre of our nation’s growth story. It equips them with the capital, mentorship, and influence to scale with confidence and purpose. Because when women founders rise, they don’t rise alone - they lift entire ecosystems forward. Every success here is not just a personal milestone but a step toward a stronger, more competitive UAE economy."

Financial Support and Legacy

The fellowship offers an AED500,000 equity-free grant funded by Dr. Mahmoud Mohamed Fikri's family in his memory. This grant supports women founders in scaling ventures that positively impact society while honouring Dr. Fikri's legacy of empowerment.

Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa said: "SWIF is an investment in leadership that will define the next chapter of our region’s growth," adding that they invite women leaders ready to accelerate their ventures and expand their influence.

The programme ensures participants graduate with thriving businesses and strong networks. They gain confidence and public presence necessary for lasting change. SWIF highlights Sheraa's commitment to fostering an environment where women founders have access to resources needed for meaningful impact.

This initiative reinforces Sharjah's position as a global hub for innovation and economic diversification while supporting women's entrepreneurial journeys.

With inputs from WAM