Sharjah Business Women's Council facilitates dialogue on women, innovation, and technology

Sharjah, UAE- February 28th, 2010- Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, the Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and Honourary Chairperson of the Sharjah Business Women Council, the Sharjah Business Women's Council brought together prominent local, regional, and international authorities on technology, social innovation and multi-media. Discussions revolved around the Arab new media ecosystem, using social media for community engagement and social innovation.

Attendees of the event included H.H. Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi - Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA),  Consul General of the US - H.E. Justin Siberell, H.E. Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa - Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Noura Al Noman - Director General of Her Highness Shk. Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi Office, among other prominent business and government leaders.

Ameera Bin Karam, Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Sharjah Business Women's Council (SBWC), explained "In this digital age, the Sharjah Business Women's Council is fusing our traditional Emarati values with a progressive approach to women's participation and leadership. We are actively building partnerships to help our members leverage the online media ecosystem to promote their businesses, raise their profiles, and participate in a global dialogue."

Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI), "The role of the Sharjah Business Women's Council in facilitating the Women in Leadership and Technology Conference and hosting multi economy participants at this dinner heralds a new era in the Council's evolution. The Council has selected a timely subject matter that is becoming a cornerstone of the business environment today."

The Sharjah Business Women's Council is making sure Emariti business women expand their opportunities. According to Google, only 1% of content online is in the Arabic language. Ameera Bin Karam adds, "Considering the richness of the culture and heritage of the UAE, we are supporting women in embracing new channels of communication."

Varouj Nerguizian - Executive Director and General Manager of Bank of Sharjah, added, "The Bank of Sharjah continuously supports endeavors that foster knowledge exchange and community development. We are proud of our sponsorship of this event."

 Held on the second night of the Women in Leadership and Technology Conference 2010, representatives from the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), the American University of Sharjah, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ICF International, Google, and other regional organizations met under the dome of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

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About the Sharjah Business Women's Council:
The Sharjah Business Women's Council (SBWC) is an organization mandated by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah and his wife Her Highness Sheikha Jawahir Bint Mohammed AL Qasimi to further incorporate women into the economy. An initiative by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industries SCCI, SBWC has been established to encourage women's contribution in the development process in the UAE in general and Sharjah in particular. SBWC offers women wider fields to develop their personal skills, opportunities for more creativity and improvement of performance in their endeavors. Moreover the council contributes in developing women-owned businesses through guidelines by economic and finance experts.

About the Middle East and North Africa Regional Women's Leadership and Technology Conference- February 27th- March 1st, 2010:
Hosted at the American University of Sharjah, the conference focuses on how communication and information technology empowers women, not only in the Middle East but everywhere in the world to enhance their ability to take on leadership roles in their communities. The 3-day event gathered women innovators and advocates from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to discuss and explore how the latest developments in technology can improve civic engagement and contribute to building a vibrant civil society.

For more information, please contact:
Nancy D'Souza
Hill & Knowlton
04- 33 44 930 / 050 - 724 8824
Nancy.dsouza@hillandknowlton.com

© Press Release 2010