In a significant move to enhance global collaboration among women entrepreneurs, the Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) has entered into a partnership with the European Women’s Association (EWA) in Brussels. This agreement aims to promote best practices, support bilateral investments, and host joint events in Belgium and across Europe.
The partnership was formalized during the SBWC’s participation in the Sharjah-Europe Business Women Forum, held in Belgium from September 22 to 26. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Mariam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of SBWC, and Yulia Stark, Founder and President of EWA.
The collaboration seeks to create a supportive environment for female founders, enabling them to tackle challenges and barriers within the entrepreneurial landscape. Both parties will work together to enhance opportunities for women-led businesses, showcasing key governmental initiatives aimed at bolstering women’s entrepreneurship.
The MoU also paves the way for collaborative efforts in promoting investment opportunities in their respective regions. This includes addressing mutual interests and driving initiatives in entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology.
Furthermore, the agreement stipulates that both organizations will invite one another to participate in various seminars, conferences, and initiatives, thereby extending their reach to regional and international events across the EU, GCC, and MENA regions. This initiative will allow female leaders to engage with policymakers on pressing issues related to sustainability and women’s empowerment. The MoU also envisions the nominations of distinguished speakers, mentors, and experts for training sessions, as well as opportunities for scholarships and participation in programs hosted by either party or their partners.
Mariam Bin Al Shaikh expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “The new partnership with the European Women’s Association marks a pivotal step in our mission to empower the council’s members. It stands as a clear testament to SBWC’s unwavering dedication to advancing their role in key economic sectors, strengthening their capacities, and driving the growth of their businesses and ventures. This MoU will profoundly impact, facilitating new knowledge and expertise with leading Belgian businesswomen and forging strategic connections, collaborations, and partnerships between Emirati and European women.”
She further added, “This memorandum plays a critical role in realising our ambitions to position Sharjah as a global leader in entrepreneurship. It underscores the emirate’s significance as a gateway to Middle Eastern markets, highlighting the unique advantages and vast opportunities it presents to international partners.”
The signing took place after a panel discussion titled “Accelerating Women’s Economic Empowerment through Partnership,” which featured notable participants including HE Fatema Al Muqarrab from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Hala Audi of “Unizima,” and Laurence Heyblom from the Belgian Embassy. Moderated by Asma Hassouni, the session addressed the obstacles faced by businesswomen in forming new partnerships and proposed ways to overcome these challenges. The speakers highlighted successful partnership models and their contributions to enhancing women’s economic roles.
SBWC’s involvement in the Sharjah-Europe Business Women Forum, organized in collaboration with EWA, aims to nurture a culture of female entrepreneurship and support cooperation to increase women’s participation in various economic sectors. The event attracted officials, ambassadors, and representatives from multiple government bodies in Sharjah, alongside 500 international participants and female entrepreneurs from the UAE, Belgium, and beyond.