Six students from the Student Leadership Program (SLP) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) participated in the Women’s Economic Empowerment Global Summit (WEEGS 2017), December 4-5, 2017, at Sharjah Expo Center. The summit was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

The summit attracted more than 1,000 participants who discussed ways to enhance gender-responsive procurement, female entrepreneurship opportunities and women’s integration into global economies. The panels and workshops explored a myriad of topics pertaining to learning for 21st century skills, information and technology, financial innovation and sustainability. The summit also shed light on the potential and possibilities of the Emirati women in the economy.

“The summit was an excellent initiative run by the government and the NAMA Women Advancement Establishment. The main aim was to elevate women’s positions in the job market globally through proposing solutions to this issue. The wide range of speakers gave helpful insight with their experience and different backgrounds. I became more aware of my role as woman and hopefully in the future, I’d be able to fulfill this crucial role for me, for my family and for my country,” said Jawaher Bin Butti Al Mheiri, a freshman economics major.

Commenting on the event, Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Dean of Students, said: “The Student Leadership Program at AUS always encourages students to take part in different opportunities catering to female students through its Women’s Leadership and Enrichment Program. The Women’s Economic Empowerment Global Summit aimed to educate students on the role of women in the UAE workplace and economy, and the various career leadership development opportunities available to them women in the UAE.”