A glittering celebratory Suhoor for SBWC members and business elite

A Ramadan festive feast was enjoyed by members of Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) last Tuesday at Kahraman Majlis, Al Jawaher Reception & Convention Centre in Sharjah.  Members gathered for the Annual Ramadan Suhoor, themed “Get Pearled” to network and celebrate the holy month of Ramadan with professional and business women. 

High profile guests attending the festivities included Noura Ahmed Al Noman, Director-General the Executive Office of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Salha Ghabesh, Cultural Activist and Advisor to the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and Founder of Sadeeqat Publishing, Dr. Samiha Lutfi and SBWC board members.

During the evening guests took part in a raffle with prizes donated by SBWC members and sponsors of the event, Attrafit, Rouge Couture and Kanzi boutique.  Other donations came from Paris Gallery, Anfasic Dukhoon, the Sharjah Ladies Club, Dalook Spa and Orchid Beauty Boutique. Members were also encouraged to update their membership details in order to benefit from the new Yakah membership package being rolled out this month. SBWC members will all receive a Yakah bag containing complimentary treats once they have updated their membership details and signed up to the new membership. Complementary Yakah Membership Package with a personalized Membership Card.

Ameera Bin Karam, Chairperson of SBWC said, “We are delighted to host this Suhoor event affording our members an opportunity to meet, network, discuss and celebrate the holy month of Ramadan. It is also an ideal opportunity for our members to learn more about the new Yakah package that comes with invites to activities and monthly events. Membership also includes a support network and advocacy on governmental issues, we also have networking opportunities with eminent community members and regular trainings and workshops tailored to helping business and professional women to succeed. We want the altruistic message of Ramadan, that of giving, caring and supporting, to filter through to our members and through hosting this Suhoor for our members we are able to do that.” 

Bin Karem explained that the Yakah membership comes with the following benefits, My Privilege Booklet worth more than 35,000 AED, Business Consultations, support to find funding for UAE nationals only, marketing and promoting your business, entry into a monthly draw, and the Membership Management System to Supercharge your Network and Benefit your Business as well as help with the Sharjah Economic and Development Department.

The evening saw members’ success stories being highlighted, such as that of Amal Al Agroobi a SBWC board member and a successful filmmaker; Salha Ghabesh, Cultural Activist and Advisor to the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and Olimpia Mascolo, Secretary General of Sharjah Business Women’s Council (SBWC) and the Retail Director and Co-Founder of the contemporary Anfasic Dokhoon brand.

SBWC Deputy Manager, Najla Al Ansari, said, “Supporting women entrepreneurs and professionals as best we can is at the very heart of what SBWC hopes to achieve. We use this holy month of Ramadan to bring people together who can all work together for the greater good of the professional and business woman, as this benefits the community and society as a whole. When women are empowered and supported they contribute to the region’s economy and dynamic commercial ecosystem which brings multiple benefits for all sectors of society.”

Al Ansari goes on to say that mentorship is vital for women in order to bring out the best from women in the region. She said, “At Sharjah Business Women Council we believe that something very special happens when one successful business woman holds the hand of another who is starting out. No one will understand the challenges and fears, the pitfalls and triumphs as well as another woman who has just walked this path.”

Prior to the event, SBWC held their fourth Board Members Meeting called by Ameera Bin Karam to discuss a range of topics such as membership and services update, developments projects, partnerships and programmes updates. 

The Sharjah Business Women’s Council (SBWC) was established under a decree by HRH Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife HH Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and Honorary Chairperson of the SBWC. SBWC aims to create and enhance the work environment for women as well as train and prepare women to enter the private sector and enhance their participation in social and economic development. To achieve this aim, the SBWC carries out a range programs and activities including conferences, seminars, workshops and research. It also forges partnerships with government, private organisations and foundations in order to strategically assist women in the workplace.