Opportunities & Challenges of young women leaders By Iman Mohammed Al Midfa Director General Sharjah Business Women Council

Opportunities

-Expands horizons of knowledge and gives people tools to achieve what they want. -Information is power, the more people know the more they’re updated and ready to take appropriate actions when required and adapt to the changing environment. -Builds confidence and courage. Education

Opportunities -Eases the practice of business for women especially within this culture. They can communicate and correspond regardless of time constrains. -Technology allows exposure to different cultures and best practices which saves time and effort. It also acts as the best source of inspiration for many. -One of the best benefits of technology is the social media which supports in promoting one’s business and helps build great networks. Technology

Opportunities -Availability of supporting systems to empower women in order to advance their knowledge, career and businesses such as the Business Women Councils in UAE and Women Establishment Entities. -Articulation of laws and policies in favor of women such as: -Maternity leave – from 45 to 60 days -Gender gap 1 st place regionally -Child care centers decree Government Support

Challenges

-Social expectations of women being the one to overlook household duties as where globally men share these duties equally. -Women are generally underestimated and not taken seriously which creates a challenge for her to be in authoritative top positions. -Certain limitations on the choices of education type and career path. Social & Cultural Resistance

Challenges -Starting a business is easy for many women, but sustainability is an issue. The reason being the choice of choosing a business not compatible with their experience nor their knowledge. -Some business practices have no proper guidelines and standards and remain the same once established with no further developments. Lack of Business Sustainability, Development & Commitment

Challenges -The biggest challenge for every woman is her own perception of what she can and cant do. If she can break the glass roof that she has placed on top of her own head she can reach her targets. -Lack of creativity to thinking outside the box and perusal of challenging fields. -Women generally create a comfortable zone to their development in terms of knowledge and rarely accepts to undergo trainings and workshops to learn new aspects of their businesses and careers. Self development, motivation and leadership characteristics