Module 2 of Women Leadership Exchange Program explore practical abilities for leadership development

• Building on the knowledge and skills earned by the participants during their previous sessions in Sweden, Module 2 of Women Leadership Exchange Program explore practical abilities for leadership development
• Board Members of Dubai Women Establishment share their real-life experiences with participants in enriching session

Dubai, UAE, 15 December, 2015 - Following the completion of the first module of the 3rd “Women Leadership Exchange Program” (WLEP), Emirati female participants are currently partaking in the program’s second module at Cove Rotana Resort in Ras Al Khaimah, which provides them with the unique opportunity to apply the skills and concepts they acquired during the first phase to real life situations they encounter in their daily lives.

Launched by Dubai Women Establishment (DWE), in collaboration with the Women for Sustainable Growth (W4SG) network and Sweden-based MiL Institute and under the sponsorship of Ducab, the WLEP initiative provides participants with invaluable knowledge and applications pertaining to their personal development, thereby enhancing their leadership and team work skills. It also provides them with a chance to network with leading figures in the UAE and in the international arena, where they can connect on common challenges and exchange ideas and expertise on best practices.

Commenting on the significance of the program, Shamsa Saleh, CEO of Dubai Women Establishment, stated: “The launch of the third edition of this one-of-a-kind program proves the success of this initiative, and the great value participants have received from it in the past. Emirati women are an integral part of our community, and our nation’s growth and development, and we are always looking for ways to provide them with significant opportunities and learning avenues.”

She added: “The second module builds on the knowledge and skills that participants acquired in the first half of the program. The Women Leadership Exchange Program offers more than just theoretical knowledge to participants, but is rather focused on creating an interactive, creative, supportive and engaging environment that fosters true growth and practical knowledge that these females can then go on and transfer to their workplaces. We acknowledge the need for continual development, as we believe that learning is an ongoing process, and that is why we are committed to providing Emirati women with the chance to enhance their skills.”

Mona Fekri, General Manager of Human Resource in Ducab, commented on the third cycle of the program, noting: “We are proud to be sponsoring an event of this caliber, which plays a direct role in promoting Emiratization and in supporting Emirati females in their career paths. The UAE’s economic development is dependent on the support of both the public and private sector, and this has been clear in our leaders’ strategy, and the reason behind our nation’s achievements. Therefore, we are pleased to be joining efforts with Dubai Women Establishment to bring our community this event.”

This year, the program features 12 Emirati women from the government and private sectors. Having taken part in meaningful dialogue and networking opportunities with peers and counterparts in module one, the second phase will take this learning experience a step further, focusing more on practical applications. Topics that will be discussed include leadership skills, coaching, feedback, participatory leadership methods, and self-assessment tools.

The agenda also included an enlightening session with two respected Dubai Women Establishment Board Members: Hala Badri, Executive Vice President, Brand and Communications, DU and Muna Bu Samra, Director of Dubai Press Club. The meeting offered a unique opportunity for the participants to benefit from the years of experience and real-world knowledge of these respected Emirati Women Leaders; thereby expanding their comprehension of the program curriculum by comparing it to the invaluable real-world examples of leadership, work-life balance; and  professional challenges faced by the two speakers.

Referencing her impressive career in communications and branding in the private sector, Hala Badri emphasised the importance of Personal Branding as a leadership requirement, that is built upon the reputation and respect once earns over time. She continued by explaining that effective and sustainable leadership mandates regular introspection of one's personal-development, in order to identify areas to improve skills and qualifications so that capabilities are properly aligned with the constantly changing goals and priorities of today’s professional workforce. Badri also shared that owing to the unwavering support of the UAE leadership, Emirati women have achieved high positions across all sectors of business and economy, and it is the responsibility of today's Emirati women leaders to help mentor and guide the young generation of emerging female leaders towards success.

Additionally, Muna Bu Samra, who has earned immense respect as a regional leader in the Arab Media Sector, provided her secrets for success. By sharing personal incidents from her career, she highlighted some of the practices that have attributed to her achievements. She recalled that her keenness to always show initiative by anticipating solutions and exploring new ideas, has helped her stand out in the workplace and gain recognition. Inspired by the phrase: 'Corporate prosperity will lead to Personal Prosperity too', Bu Samra took every success and achievement of her organization as a personal one as well. She attributes this mindset to her professional practice of caring about each detail and dedicating all efforts to achieving profound outcomes. Bu Samra also elaborated on the ways in which her professional connections - as well as the personal connections that she has developed through her ongoing commitment to volunteer work - has provided her with a network of peers, supporters and mentors, who have shared their knowledge and experiences with her. She conceded that every leader should develop a similar regard for relationship building and a willingness to provide support to the next generation of women leaders.

Dubai Women Establishment recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ducab for ongoing partnership and collaboration towards empowering Emirati women in the workplace and especially in the private sector. The agreement identifies specific areas of cooperation between DWE and Ducab to support WLEP and will see Ducab enroll as a key strategic partner on this developmental initiative.