Sheikha Bodour attends Sheraa seminar at AUS

Under the patronage and presence of Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qassimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and Chairperson of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), a seminar was held in honor of International Women's Day and Women's History Month at American University of Sharjah, Wednesday March 16, 2016.

The seminar, entitled "Women Pioneering the Future: Because of Her," focused on women's critical role in society as a driving force of human development, and aimed to assure young men and women that working hard and facing fears and challenges is their path to success.

Khalid Al Ameri, a columnist opened the event with his welcoming remarks and said, "I see an Emirati lady become the head of parliament for the first time in our country. I also see a woman become the youngest minister in the world, and I see plenty of Emirati women who were appointed to amazing positions in government, business and society".Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour welcomed the audience afterwards, and said, "I always have to challenge myself, and we always need to put ourselves in situations that are beyond our comfort zone." Her definition of success is facing one's fears and surpassing them to reach the desired goals.

Her Excellency Reem Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau, also spoke during the event and said "It is great to see such bright and ambitious faces here today who are focusing on women's critical role in society".

The seminar included interactive panel discussions that featured successful business women in the governmental sector. It was attended by Dr. Björn Kjerfve, Chancellor of AUS; other AUS officials; and more than 700 university students.

Other guests speakers included Najla Al Midfa, General Manager, Sheraa; Muna Al Gurg, Director of Retail Group, Al Gurg Group; Dr. Manal Taryam, CEO, Noor Dubai Foundation; Noaf Tahlak, Director of Government Identity and Media, Ministry of Cabinet Affairs; Khawla Al Serkal, Director General, SLC; Najla Al Ansari, Entrepreneur/Marketing and Outreach Manager, Sheraa; Dr. Alia Al Qasimi, CEO, Social Care and Development Sector at Community Development Authority; Bedour Al Raqbani, Director and Founder, Kalimati Speech and Communication Center; Khalid Al Ameri, Columnist; Dr. Nawar Golley, Professor in English, American University of Sharjah; Omar Al Mutawa, Student, American University of Sharjah; and Omar Al Busaidy, Author, Just Read It.

A short video of AUS students reflecting upon women's accomplishments was also featured at the event.