Monday, 03 April, 2017

The Dubai Business Women’s Council (DBWC), Dubai Chamber of Commerce, recently celebrated its 15th anniversary during a special gala dinner in commemoration of the achievements of the Council since its inauguration in 2002. The DBWC provides a platform for the personal and professional development of UAE-based women and has made a significant contribution towards enhancing positive impacts for the inclusion of female leaders and entrepreneurs in business and society, not only in Dubai but also in the UAE. Held at the St Regis Dubai, the DBWC reflected on the many milestones they have achieved through a special highlights video, recognition of the commitment of the Council’s key stakeholders and partners as well as a series of live performances. During the event, Her Excellency, Dr Raja Al Gurg, President of the DBWC paid tribute to Women who have significantly contributed to the empowerment of women in the region. Amongst those honoured was Dr Payyazhi Jayashree, Associate Dean (Education) at the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) for her ongoing research and practice, in collaboration with DBWC and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), focussing on UN Sustainable Development Goal #5: Gender Parity. The Women and Leadership research is funded by a grant from the National Research Foundation- Industry Research Collaboration Grant. Several highly impactful initiatives have been launched by the principal investigator, Dr Payyazhi Jayashree, in collaboration with DBWC and UN, including ‘Best Practices Forums’, showcasing success stories from Corporates and the ‘Women and Leadership Seminar Series’ sharing narratives of Women Leaders, from within the region. These initiatives have contributed substantially to Leadership capacity development amongst women, besides leading to many insightful discussions (through engaging Corporates in practical discussions), focussed on how Public and Private Sectors can support the meaningful and sustainable engagement of Women in the workplace. Upon receiving the award Dr Jayashree said: “Receiving this award from HE Dr Raja Al Gurg, an inspiring leader, for a cause close to my heart, is a true honour. With organisations operating in highly competitive environments, and catering to an increasingly diverse workforce, the Gender Diversity and Inclusion imperative is a talent-management issue and the only means through which one can create Sustainable Change and innovation. This award is dedicated to all my team members and all the participants, the Women Leaders, the Corporate Heads, and the student community, who have contributed wholeheartedly to the project and to the related dialogues and narratives”.