Written by: Dina Marie
Edited by: Mona Timor Shehata
Although the far-reaching benefits of diversity and gender parity in leadership and decision-making are increasingly recognized in all spheres, women continue to be vastly under-represented in decision-making in politics, businesses, and communities. Women as leaders and decision-makers at all levels are critical to advancing gender justice and gender equality—and to further economic, social, and political progress for all as women are powerful agents of change.
When women are meaningfully represented and engaged in leadership bodies—such as legislatures, courts, executive boards, community councils—laws, rulings, and decisions are more likely to be inclusive, representative, and take diverse views into account. Women’s leadership within households, including decision-making over land and household income, improves access to education and healthcare for their families.
The 5th Arab Women In Leadership and Business (AWILB) took place on the 05th – 06th February 20, in Dusit-Thani Dubai.
The Arab Women In Leadership and Business (AWILB) brought together a diverse group of Arab and global business leaders, experts, and solution providers for two days of inspiring conversation, skill-building sessions and networking opportunities through inspiring keynote speakers, powerful panels and fireside chats with today’s brightest thought leaders. It was an opportunity to learn from today’s top minds, share ideas with peers, and obtain insights into current and future trends in leadership.
AWILB opened the doors of leadership by creating inclusive and supportive communities dedicated to developing the Arab women.
The event was open for the honest sharing and exchange of inspiring ideas and innovations to move greater numbers of women into leadership roles both corporately and as entrepreneurs in their communities by highlighting lots of interesting and inspiring topics like:
Creating an Environment that Value Inclusion.
Breaking the Startup Stereotypes.
How to unlock Institutional and Governmental Innovation.
Dealing with entrepreneurial negotiations.
How to have the mindset of an entrepreneur.
The blueprint to dominate your market niche.
Enabling women with disabilities in leadership and C-suite levels.
Inclusion is not a matter of political correctness. It is the key to growth.
Bridging the digital gender gap.
Furthermore, MICE Quotient has instituted the Women Leadership and Excellence Awards (WLEA) to recognize and honor outstanding Women Leaders & Organizations and their Ecosystem Builders for their incredible contribution in Leadership & Entrepreneurship development.
The Women Leadership and Excellence Awards (WLEA) 2020 was a part of the 5th edition of The Arab Women In Leadership and Business (AWILB) series.
A total of 16 Awards under WLEA 2020 had been carefully considered to enable participation of women achievers of any age and their ecosystem builders across sectors, geographies, and socio-economic background.
Most Inspirational Woman Award
Areej Mohsin Haider Darwish, Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC
Women of Substance Award
Farzana Kazemi, Trailblazer Consulting
Exemplary Woman Mentor Award
PROF.GHADA AWAD ELKOT, ARAB ACADEMY FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MARITIME TRANSPORT
Excellence in Innovation
Maria Paula Oliveira, EY
Business Excellence Award
Areej Mohsin Haider Darwish, Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC
Excellence in Media
Dina AlMahdy, Women of Egypt Initiative
Excellence in Healthcare
Rawya KREDLY, Julphar
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
Sarah Tabet, Schneider Electric
Excellence in Aviation
Ovilia Fernandes, Trinity Aviation
Excellence in Hospitality
Mona AlHebsi, Hotelier. HR Practitioner. Coach. Author
Excellence in Customer Experience
Asha Dodhia, Aroushi Beauty Salon and Spa
Excellence in Technology
Sherifa Hady, Hewlett Packard Enterprise
We know that even in success, there are struggles and challenges and the growth opportunities from sharing learning builds stronger and more resilient women leaders so don’t miss the AWILB coming summit.