‘Drivers of Change’ to shore up women’s summit in Sharjah
Under the theme, ‘Drivers of Change’, the Women’s Economic Empowerment Global Summit (WEEGS) will take forward the important conversations on women advancement and empowerment in both economicandprofessionaldomains,initsupcoming second edition to be held on Dec.10 - 11 in Sharjah.
Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikhajawaherbintmohammedalqasimi,wifeof His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment (NAMA), WEEGS is organised by NAMA in collaboration with UN Women. The theme, ‘Drivers of Change’, reflects the summit’s dedication to bolstering discussions with international decisionmakers, developing current strategies, potential opportunities and case studies that enhance equitable opportunities for women in all sectors.
More than 1,000 people will come together at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre (JRCC) to learn, exchange experiences, and network with high-profile officials and thought leaders on women’s empowerment, gender equity advocates, governmental, non-governmental and private sector representatives, and academics,
Focus is on gender-responsive procurement, women’s participation in global value chains, Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEP) and women’s access to finance and funding
who can influence global policies, inform grassroot actions, boost women’s career prospects in all fields and advocate the formation of inclusive work ecosystems.
Through its programmes and pillars, the second edition of the summit seeks to create a sustainable action plan, with the focus being placed on key aspects that support ‘Drivers of Change’, most notably gender-responsive procurement, women’s participation in global value chains, Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEP) and women’s access to finance and funding.
CHALLENGES
The summit’s theme, ‘Drivers of change,’ was inspired by the challenges that women face in the global workplace, and will shine light on how fully harnessing women’s potential will create a more stable, prosperous future for the region.
A report published by the World Bank indicates that “currently, women make up only 21 per cent of the labour force and only contribute 18 per cent to MENA’S overall GDP. Had the gender gap in labour force participation been narrowed over the past decade, the GDP growth rate in MENA could have doubled or increased by about US$1 trillion in cumulative output.”
HARD REALITIES
Globally as well, qualitative studies and evidence-based reports on gender equity and empowerment of women and girls reveal that ground realities are plagued by deep trenches of inequality between men and women.
The flagship report by UN Women titled ‘Turning Promises into Action: Gender Equality in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’ suggests that “at current trends, equal pay will not be achieved before the year 2086 without targeted action”. Another study by Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) – Women’s Entrepreneurship Report (2016 – 17), points out that “on average, women start businesses at less than 60% the rate of men. In addition, there are no economies where women start at equal or higher rates than men.”
The summit will therefore highlight the importance of reviewing legislation, internal regulations and policies of government and private entities while also emphasising the need to bring together all initiatives and efforts working towards the common goal to make a difference and drive change.
A BOOST FOR WOMEN
Reem Binkaram, Director of NAMA, pointed out that WEEGS will evaluate women’s achievements in various economic sectors at the national, regional and global levels. “The summit aims to develop relevant action plans and best practice mechanisms as well as identify strategies, which will widen the scope of these achievements and take them to more advanced levels,” she said.
“We look upon women in the region and the world as a united, coherent community. This vision is enshrined in our strategic partnership with UN Women and civil society organisations in many countries. It aligns with our belief that women are an indispensable human resource for the development of every nation. By helping create a beter entrepreneurial ecosystem for women and enhancing their skills, we can really boost their role in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals,” added Reem Binkaram.