A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was exchanged yesterday between the Pearl Initiative represented by its executive director, Ms. Imelda Dunlop and the Sharjah Business Women Council represented by its Chairperson H.E. Amira Bin Karam. The aim of this Memorandum is to strengthen women’s leadership role in the Gulf region through encouraging women to take on leadership position as well as take part in Councils and Boards of companies active in the region. A number of joint programmes will be initiated as per the stipulation of this Memorandum, in addition to the undertaking of a study to assess the current role of women in the higher echelons of the public sector and their level of participation in leadership in the region. The Memorandum also involves the development of a contemporary vision, providing support to stronger dialogue amongst leaders in the business community, academic circles, the investment community and the media for the purpose of encouraging diversity in board councils as well as improving processes of strategic decision making and strengthening competitiveness. The project also aims at introducing business leaders to practical initiatives that can support women’s access to higher management levels in the Gulf countries as well as in the Arab world at large.
Source: Al-Hayat 8 January 2014