The Sharjah Businesswomen Council was established with the vision of providing women a strong platform that will allow them to use their capabilities and skills in order to build effective partnerships in economic, social, scientific and cultural sectors.
This vision today has become a reality as the council has helped countless women on their entrepreneurial journey, changing the shape of women in business in Sharjah. Founded by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, the council works with women in Sharjah, supporting them and offering guidance and knowledge for those looking to set up businesses or further elevate their current business.
As Chairperson of the council, HE Sheikha Hind bint Majid Al Qasimi is tasked with supporting this mission, something which she experienced first-hand with the beginning of her own arts and crafts business Designed by Hind. Here, ahead of the latest edition of Emirati Women’s Day, we find out more about the support it is offering and what’s coming up in the future.
Tell us about the vision of Sharjah Businesswomen Council, and what are the main goals of the council?
The Sharjah Businesswomen Council (SBWC) was established through the vision and patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of Supreme Council for Family Affairs, and we are deeply committed to empowering female entrepreneurs to make an impact on the economic and social development of the region.
Our vision is to achieve the full integration of women into the local economy of Sharjah and the UAE. We nurture a business-friendly environment that supports women at all stages of their careers, enabling them to become inspiring leaders and role models. By providing development opportunities and comprehensive solutions through workshops, training programmes, and mentorship, we not only inspire excellence and equip women with knowledge and skills, but also actively connect our members with key stakeholders and industry leaders to create valuable partnerships.
By fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, I am proud to say we have created a thriving business community that reflects the diversity and talent of female entrepreneurs, placing them at the forefront of the country’s economic growth and contributing to the UAE’s continued progress and prosperity.
Tell us about some of the talent that you are seeing amongst the younger generation.
The younger generation in Sharjah is brimming with talent, showcasing a strong work ethic, innovative ideas, and passion for making a difference that these young women possess. The future truly looks bright in their capable hands.
Many of these young entrepreneurs are highly proficient in digital tools and platforms, unafraid to experiment and embrace new technologies, which they use to create solutions and launch businesses, from agri-tech to utilising AI for marketing.
We empower these inspiring young women to turn challenges into opportunities, allowing them to approach problems creatively and think outside the box. Many are also passionate about creating businesses that not only make a profit, but also positively impact society.
How does the council help to share what’s happening in Sharjah on an international scale?
We actively participate in international delegations and trade missions throughout the year, connecting our members with potential investors and showcasing Sharjah’s attractive business opportunities globally. We frequently collaborate with international women’s business councils and chambers of commerce, facilitating knowledge exchange, joint ventures, and access to new markets for our members.
Our international reach is also achieved within our own borders, participating in many of Sharjah’s globally renowned and attended events and festivals. The Sharjah Businesswomen Council (SBWC) launched an inspiring initiative that called on women in the tech industry to benefit from the Expand North Star 2023 program. This initiative aimed to empower and support women in tech by providing crucial resources and mentorship opportunities. SBWC’s call highlighted the importance of women’s participation and leadership in the tech sector, encouraging them to seize the chance to expand their knowledge, skills, and networks. By actively engaging with Expand North Star 2023, women in tech were able to pave the way for greater innovation and diversity within the industry, contributing to both personal growth and the advancement of the sector as a whole.
To further our global reach, SBWC also leverages its strong digital presence and social media platforms to share news, success stories, and upcoming events. This online visibility positions Sharjah as a hub for female entrepreneurship and helps inspire women worldwide.
What’s the biggest challenge in your role today?
I would say our biggest challenge is in fact an opportunity: keeping pace with the rapidly evolving business world. The landscape is constantly shifting, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer trends, and global economic fluctuations. Adapting our services and support to meet the evolving needs of our members is very important to us. We closely monitor industry trends and actively seek feedback from our community, such as our Members Circle initiative, which invites SBWC members to open discussion sessions, where they share insights on how we can better support them. This direct engagement helps us anticipate future needs and tailor our offerings.
It’s a delicate balancing act, but we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve. We must constantly innovate to empower Emirati women entrepreneurs and cement Sharjah’s reputation as a hub for female-led businesses. We are dedicated to providing our members with the resources and opportunities in this dynamic environment and I am proud to say we’re not only keeping up but leading the charge in many cases.
What would you still like to achieve with the council?
We’ve accomplished a great deal, but there’s always more work to be done. That’s why the SBWC is constantly exploring new ways to empower women in exciting fields like agri-tech, artificial intelligence, sustainable technology, and social entrepreneurship. By bridging the gap and getting more women into these dynamic sectors, we can unlock incredible impact and create lasting role models and examples of excellence in leadership.
Of course, it’s not just about launching new businesses but ensuring their long-term success. That’s why mentorship programmes are so important, as we connect seasoned female entrepreneurs with aspiring ones to create an invaluable exchange of knowledge and experience, setting the stage for growth and prosperity. We remain committed to pushing the boundaries and empowering women to lead the charge in every corner of the business world, and I’m confident we can make this ambitious vision a reality.
We know you have a personal passion for arts and crafts – tell us about that?
My love for arts and crafts began at a young age, and there’s something truly magical about transforming raw materials into beautiful objects that hold cultural significance. It’s a form of storytelling, a way to express emotions and connect with our heritage.
This passion for artistic expression led me to launch ‘Designed by Hind’ and I’m proud to say we are now considered one of the UAE’s leading porcelain brands through our bespoke crockery collections. Through my business, I get to explore different design techniques and concepts to create truly unique pieces that tell a story, pay homage to our rich heritage, and utilise sustainable and traditional materials. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see my vision come to life, but more importantly, it allows me to connect with others who appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship behind each piece.
In this issue, we are talking about Emirati Women’s Day – what does this day mean to you?
Emirati Women’s Day is a day I hold close to my heart, an inspiring testament to the incredible achievements of women across the UAE, and incredible contributions that have transformed every sector of society, from business and science to education and arts. This is a day to acknowledge the notable strides we’ve taken towards female empowerment and a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come. The stories of our pioneering women, their inspiring determination and resilience, serve as an everlasting flame for future generations.
We want young girls to see themselves reflected in these pioneering role models and awe-inspiring accomplishments and to believe that they too, can achieve anything they set their minds to. Emirati Women’s Day is ultimately a declaration that there are no limits to what we can accomplish when we embrace our boundless potential.
Who is a woman who inspires you?
Among the countless Emirati women who inspire me with their achievements and unrelinquishing dedication, one incredible leader stands out as a true guiding light and an endless source of inspiration for me and so many others – Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs.
Her Highness’s truly visionary leadership has firmly established Sharjah as a monument of support for women entrepreneurs, supporting their dreams and empowering them to soar to unprecedented heights. As a vocal advocate for gender equality and a champion of women’s education, she has paved the way for countless success stories, inspiring women across the UAE, the region, and the world, to reach for the stars.
Being blessed to witness Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi’s dedication first-hand has instilled in me a deep, unshakable commitment to empowering women and unlocking their boundless potential. Her passion is an example to all, and her vision is a constant source of inspiration. She serves as a powerful reminder of the immense impact a single individual can have on the lives of others, transforming communities and redefining the very fabric of society. Her Highness’s extraordinary achievements and her steadfast belief in the capabilities of women motivate me to follow her lead. Her legacy will continue to guide and inspire me, as I strive to empower Emirati women to reach new heights of success and fulfilment.
What’s the professional motto that you live by?
The motto I live by, is “Empowering women is empowering our communities” – It’s a belief that has guided my journey and shaped my vision for the future, because when we empower women, we’re not just changing individual lives – we’re shaping the future of our communities, our nation, and our world.
What is coming up for the council this year?
Our team has been working tirelessly to create meaningful opportunities to empower and elevate our members on regional and global levels. One of the key events is our second roundtable discussion, held in partnership with the American University of Sharjah (AUS), where we’ll host industry leaders to discuss strategic solutions regarding the initiative’s theme, “Entrepreneurs Access to Funding.” This interactive session will provide our members with invaluable insights and strategies to secure the resources they need to turn their business dreams into reality.
Later this year, we will embark on an impactful trade mission designed to propel our female entrepreneurs to new heights. Through a series of networking events, B2B meetings, and insightful site visits, we aim to create lasting connections and strategic partnerships that will shape the future of women-led enterprises. It’s an exciting opportunity for our entrepreneurs to expand their horizons and tap into new avenues for growth.
I’m also proud to announce our return to ‘Expand North Star,’ the world’s largest startup gathering, happening in October. This will be a fantastic platform for us to showcase our members’ cutting-edge technology ventures, further cementing Sharjah’s reputation as a hub for female-led innovation. Additionally, we’re organising a business trip to Belgium with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce to explore new opportunities and forge international partnerships. It’s all part of our mission to connect female entrepreneurs with global resources and networks.
The Sharjah Businesswomen Council is truly firing on all cylinders, and I can’t wait to see the incredible impact our members will make in the months and years to come. With each initiative, we propel our vision of empowering women and transforming our communities into a tangible reality. The future is bright, and I’m honoured to be leading this charge alongside our talented and passionate team.
