Annual Report 2015

Power Women of Arabia Debate gathers leaders to address
evolution of women empowerment in the region
The Dubai Business Women Council and LEADERS Middle East magazine, host first debate to establish
open grounds for talks on the current and future situation of women’s progress in the region
October 28, 2015
The Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC), and Leaders Middle East magazine hosted the first Power Women of
Arabia Debate which welcomed distinguished participants and prominent female leaders to debate on current
matters around women empowerment and its future prospects.
Held at the Address Dubai Marina, The Power Women of Arabia Debate (www.powerwomen.me) was opened by
H.E. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, with a
speech which emphasized the commitment that the UAE has towards supporting women in shaping the socio
economic landscape of the United Arab Emirates.
Becky Anderson, Managing Editor CNN, Abu Dhabi & Anchor of Connect the World , moderated a one on one live
interview with H.E. Dr. Raja Easa Saleh Al Gurg, President of the Dubai Business Women Council, followed by the
first panel discussion with power women including H.E. Sheikha Al Zain Al Sabah, Undersecretary of Youth Affairs in
Kuwait, Mrs. Ahlam Yousif Al Janahi, Board Member of Bahran Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mona
Bawarshi – CEO, Gezairi Transport Group, Mona Mohtasseb , Director of the Wealth and Investment Management
at Barclays and Dr. Ismahane A. Elouafi, Director General and ICBA Agriculture.
On the occasion Dr. Al Gurg, said: “Today’s debate highlighted that women are already participating in the
business community and playing a big role in the UAE and GCC economy, but there is still a lot of opportunity for
growth. It is the role of both the government and the private sector to action initiatives that further encourage the
development of women in this region.”
Mr. Lorenzo Jooris, CEO & Editor in Chief LEADERS Middle East Magazine, continued by saying, “Studies are
showing that women are more entrepreneurial spirited than men in this region. We are witnessing a higher
percentage of startups in the UAE from women. Also companies that have bigger percentage of women on their
boards are showing to be more profitable organizations. We would like to thank all our sponsors, Barclays Bank,
Philips, AIG, AT Kearney, The Meera Kaul Foundation, Trox, the Address Dubai Marina, wasl properties,
Wollongong University, Servcorp, OSN and Orme.”
The Power Women of Arabia Debate will be a yearly event and intends to increase the dialog between individuals
and corporations for finding ways of encouraging the development of women in society in the region.