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"BPW path for motivating women to develop their capabilities"

By Rena Sadeghi
Arab Times Staff

Direct link to article on the Arab Times

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 31: “The Business and Professional Women (BPW) is the path for motivating women to continuously develop their capabilities and participate in all social, economic and political activities,” stated Dr Rola Dashti, MP and Chairperson of the Kuwait Economic Society at the “BPW Expo Kuwait.”
Under the auspices of Dr Rola Dashti Business and Professional Women (BPW) Kuwait, launched their first ‘BPW Expo’ at The Marina Mall Bridge on Aug 30 (9-Ramadan). The BPW Kuwait Expo’ is an exhibition of small and medium businesses owned by the members of Business and Professional Women, Kuwait.
“This association strengthens women’s business skills allowing them to launch their own projects. Women’s participation in the economy is a major asset for its development and therefore the Kuwait Economic Society (KES) has become one of the main gates for women to enter the economic and business sector with huge confidence,” she added.

Maali Al-Asousi, Vice-President of the Kuwait Economic Society also spoke on the importance of the “BPW Expo Kuwait.” “This Expo is part of the BPW association’s yearly plan to promote the objectives of the club and inform people about it, and also helps members of BPW club around the world to meet with members of the club in Kuwait.”

More than twenty small projects are participating in the exhibition, each with an interesting and unique offering. They include: Samar Al Hajjaj presenting the Original Basket Boutique (an international premium gift franchise), FIT4FUN - unique concept providing young people with alternative experience in fitness, Pilates and More Women’s health club - the first premier Pilates and personal training studio, Anisa Al Majed and Noha Al Mansour fashion designers will be exhibiting their innovative designer wear.
Dr Dashti, KES Chairperson and promoter of BPW Kuwait also emphasized “BPW Kuwait is committed to encourage and support women to set up new businesses, to advance existing businesses, and participate in entrepreneurial ventures. Empowering women is essential to secure increased contribution of women in the economic growth and development of Kuwait. It is our responsibility, my fellow women to support each other to achieve this common goal together.”

Among the participants there was also, Alanood Al Dhafiri who owns a franchise for premium chocolates, and a distribution franchise for also oxygenated water OGO, Nouf Al Yemani is the promoter of an online mall “The Kuwait Mall” where you can shop online for a variety of products with online payment facility and home delivery; Kerry Seller - another unique offering under the brand of Silkeri featuring various silk garments including the smart skirt that can be worn in 100 different ways, Maha Alsaker co-owner of the My Click Studio, Jumana Al Awadhi, creator of the We Love Kuwait, the first series of children’s books with local essence and animation with more than 12 best sellers in the market; Rana Abdullah owns the Cookie Bouquet that offers bouquets made of cookies for all occasions including cookie bouquets for corporates with their logos, launched recently two weeks ago; and Mona Al Essa owns the Crispy House that offers yummy and crispy varieties of desserts.

A separate section has been carved out for the writers - the AWJ Books Section. The AWJ Books Section presents a mix of fictional and educational books written by nine Kuwaiti and Arabic writers. The writers will also be signing books for interested readers. The exhibition started on Aug 30 and will end on Sept 4, while following Marina Mall Ramadan timings.

BPW Kuwait is an affiliate of The International Federation of Business and Professional Women, a non-governmental organization (NGO) set up in 1930 and has had Consultative Status with the United Nations through the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1947. BPW International has presence in over 80 countries and is represented at the UN Headquarters in New York, Vienna and Geneva.
BPW Kuwait is set up under the umbrella of the Kuwait Economic Society, with the avid support of Dr Rola Dashti. It was inaugurated on April 26, 2009.

BPW Kuwait’s aim is to develop the professional, leadership and business potential of women on all levels through advocacy, mentoring, networking and skill building.