Sharjah: The Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) has enhanced women’s participation in the economy across a range of businesses and sectors and boasts a diversified membership of 2,342. Since its establishment in 2002 under the patronage of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of NAMA Women Advancement, the SBWC has been a crucial resource for businesswomen and entrepreneurs.
SBWC empowers and supports businesswomen by giving them the modern tools and resources they require to succeed in the quickly evolving business environment of today, such as expertise in renewable energy and artificial intelligence. The council encourages investments in key industries and sectors, including technology, agriculture, and industry, in line with the national objective of a robust and flexible economy.
Additionally, SBWC concentrated on a broad range of conventional and nonconventional industries, such as retail, e-commerce, hospitality, healthcare, perfumes and jewellery, printing, publishing, journalism, media, and the arts, which aided its members in connecting and growing their businesses with the newest opportunities and trends. The council’s efforts have not only benefited its members’ economic advancement, but also the economy as a whole.
The vision of the SBWC, according to its chair, Sheikha Hind bint Majid Al Qasimi, is in line with the established national principles, particularly the first two “Principles of the 50,” which emphasise the importance of advancing economic growth and development as the supreme national objective of creating the world’s most dynamic and active economy.
“The council’s strategy focuses on sustainability by building on past initiatives and projects while constantly introducing new enterprises that attract female entrepreneurs from various industries. We ensure SBWC remains an inclusive and empowering platform where skills and ideas can be shared, thus contributing to economic prosperity, aligning with the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the directives of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Muhammad. This helps create a business environment that elevates women to become leaders in their industries,” Sheikha Hind further added.
Since its establishment, SBWC has launched 45 initiatives, including seven newly established projects in 2022, to equip and hone businesswomen’s skills and capabilities. By the end of 2022, SBWC had participated in 180 events, including GITEX, the Women in Tech Forum, and even Torino Fashion Week, that boosted the visibility of its members on the global stage. The council also gave its members the chance to participate in its trade missions so they could learn from their colleagues around the world.
Over the past 20 years, the SBWC has welcomed numerous delegations and missions that have helped the council further expand its network. As a result, the council now has members in 48 countries across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, including important financial and economic hubs like the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Japan, Kuwait, Sweden, Brazil, and other nations that have close trade relations with the UAE.