veiled4allah: forum honors Arab businesswomen

Al-Jazeera reports on the Middle East Businesswomen & Leaders Achievement Awards, an event held in Dubai (see, Dubai isn't evil):

Women from across the Middle East have gathered in Dubai to mark International Women's Day and recognise women's achievements in the region. On Tuesday, in the first of a two-day event, the Middle East Businesswomen & Leaders Achievement Awards will promote regional women's leadership and honour outstanding leaders.

The event, now in its eighth year, is held annually on 8 March to commemorate International Women's Day...

...Sawsan Shadly, a Saudi businesswoman, told Aljazeera.net: "I think forums such as this one will offer new chances for Saudi businesswomen.

"There are obstacles for Saudi businesswomen in the GCC. Previously, Saudi law meant that a woman could only run a business if she had a male wakeel or sponsor. But things are changing," Shadly said.

"Changes in Saudi law mean that now a woman can run her own business independently of any wakeel."

Shadly, who runs her own events management company, said: "Forums such as these can show Saudi women in a different light. It is our turn to give a good impression of who we are. It is our turn to show how successful women can be and that Saudis are not just terrorists."...

...Fatma ba-Uthman, an academic from Saudi Arabia, is another speaker at the event. Ba-Uthman will be holding a workshop on how to make decisions and negotiate successfully.

She said: "Women are patient, good listeners and more, but we need to tap into these skills and implement them into the business world.

"The importance of such a forum is getting women in the region to share ideas together.

"The forum will help to bridge the gap between men and women. It is a chance to show the West that the Arab world also has educated, quality women."

We should be encouraging this sort of thing in the Arab world and reaching out.