.” said Felice Friedson, our chairperson at this year’s inaugural edition of the Middle East Women Leaders’ Summit, which is currently at day one of the two-day event, in Dubai, UAE. Besides their professional accomplishments, these leaders have also been working hard to build sustainable communities, particularly with regard to alleviating challenges that society enlists.
We were beyond thrilled to be in the presence of some scintillating discussions, providing an insight on new-age leadership. These women have paved the way for the next generation of women leaders, so as to be proud of the society that empowers you. We looked at women leaders who’ve risen in their careers, delving into entrepreneurship and empowerment. We focused on the shifting workplace, understood recurring battles, and marveled at the power of technology in the corporate world today.
The summit’s Woman Leader in Business award winner – Divya Gokulnath of Byju’s – Co-Founder of the leading edtech company – initiated a discussion based on her immense exposure to the edtech world; “for me, the real champions are everyday women who are utilizing technology to create sparks in the world.”. Entrepreneurship is just the ability to spot an opportunity, and possessing the drive to cease that opportunity. In regard to challenges, there are a lot of innuendos that can be derogatory, especially as a woman trying to get a seat at the table. However, it is beyond crucial to recognize your power and acknowledge your ability, and of course, an avid support system makes all the difference.
In reference to our awards ceremony at this year’s Middle East Women Leaders’ Summit, we set out to celebrate the direction in which women’s recognition is going within the region. We recognized some more incredible women leaders, who’ve been nothing short of resilient throughout the course of their careers. We set out to focus on how these women have shifted the scope of their professional lives in challenging environments, and shed light on their contribution to building a society fit for the next generation.
For starters, our Millennial Leader Award recipient Saima Khan – a local, social influencer who has done the utmost to build herself as a philanthropist, is thriving as an inspiration to young women worldwide. Next, Melda Akin of D14.AI was our Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, who successfully launched her company into Dubai’s burgeoning tech scene thus naming D14.AI one of the top female-founded start-ups in the MENA region. With their excellent automation-based digital solutions, Schneider Electric won the award for Best Gender-Inclusive Company. Moreover, Dr. Eng. Suaad Alshamsi – the UAE’s first female aircraft engineer – won the award for Breaking the Bias within society, having defied all odds to achieve her dreams and change the aviation space for women everywhere. Hon. Lujaina Mohsin Darwish of MHD-ITICS won the title of Woman Icon of the Year, being recognized for her drive and passion to support others. Dr. Zulekha Daud – the first ever woman entrepreneur in the UAE – graced us with her presence as well; she was honored with the award for Leaving Behind a Footprint for her extensive efforts involved in revolutionizing the healthcare landscape.
Towards the end of day one, we found it necessary to show our appreciation and gratitude to a few women out there, who’ve set the stage to initiate change and innovation within the MENA region, giving them the title of Most Impactful Women in the Middle East: Salama Mohamed of Peacefull, Eva Mouriño of Siemens Energy, Caroline Faraj of CNN Arabic Services, Shada Elborno of Standard Chartered Bank, Hon. Lujaina Mohsin Darwish of MHD-ITICS – Oman, Kate Barker of NEOM, and Mouna Abbassy of izil Beauty.
We – as women – are integral to tomorrow’s future, so that we can leave a stronger and economically sustainable environment in the Middle East.
