Ghada Othman sparks conversations about work-life balance and leading a happy life at GWFD 2020

• Ghada Othman: “If you want to ensure you get what you want, you have to claim your power. We have to stop playing the victim.” 

Dubai, UAE: Ghada Othman, Director of INSEAD Women in Business Club, led a breakout session at Global Women’s Forum Dubai (GWFD) 2020, which explored effective mentorship strategies to increase women’s capabilities, inclusion and access to leadership positions. Othman discussed how to overcome challenges in striking a work-life balance, while still pursuing a successful career.

The two-day GWFD 2020 was held at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of Dubai.

During the session, Othman said: “Work-life balance is about you. It is about what you want and getting what you want. If you want to ensure you get what you want, you have to claim your power. We have to stop playing the victim.”

Othman and the audience exchanged personal experiences, touching upon their stories, journeys and perceptions on women in leadership roles and what they aspire to achieve.

Othman added: “Happiness is about perception and how you see your life. Happiness is about your way of seeing life and things happening in life according to what you want.” 

Othman also highlighted the importance of leading a happy life to succeed both personally and professionally. She stressed that she is a mother of two, a wife and works a full-time job, but that never stops her from achieving her goals.

Othman became one of the first and youngest female general managers in the retail industry in Egypt and continues to break down barriers through her passion and dedication to driving change. Attendees also shared their insights into what happiness means to them, which sparked a fruitful and inspiring discussion about what drives their personal success and growth.

Othman ended the session by advising attendees to choose quality over quantity, whether it is with family, friends or work, as she believes that’s the key to having a healthy work-life balance.

Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020 is organised by Dubai Women Establishment, which is led by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and wife of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

Building on its theme, ‘The Power of Influence’, Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020 was focused on discussing how effective policies and partnerships in four key areas – Government, Economy, Society, and the Future – can further women’s positive impact for a better future.

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About Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020:

Global Women's Forum Dubai (GWFD) 2020 is an international event being held on February 16-17, 2020 at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is organised by Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. 

Building on its theme ‘The Power of Influencse’, GWFD 2020 offers a global platform to discuss improved policies and foster partnerships that further women’s positive impact across four key areas: government, economy, society, and future. The event aims to engage over 3,000 attendees – including global leaders, public and private sector experts, as well as entrepreneurs, academics and students – through workshops and keynote sessions.

The Forum’s Knowledge Partner is the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).  Alongside the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi), DWE is also co-organising the We-Fi MENA Regional Summit – a side-line event that will host entrepreneurs from the region’s emerging economies.

In line with the UAE’s ongoing commitment to advance gender balance across all sectors, GWFD 2020 will drive female engagement and participation in the workforce, and is a testament to the country’s position as a global role model for the advancement of women.

About Dubai Women Establishment:

Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) was formed in 2006 as a statutory body of Dubai Government by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of Dubai. DWE is headed by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

The Establishment’s mission is to advance the engagement and socio-economic participation of women across various sectors and fields. DWE’s strategic plan 2017-2021 focuses on providing recommendations to shape policies; fostering strategic partnerships; developing capacity-building programmes; as well as conducting in-depth research and facilitating the exchange of knowledge by organising global events and leading initiatives.   

© Press Release 2020