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"DBWC in the 'Arab Women in Science and Technology' Conference"
Posted September 23, 2009 by Lindsay Roberts
Dubai, September 19, 2009: Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) will participate in the "Arab Women in Science and Technology" conference in Dubai between 28-30 September, 2009. The conference will be held under the patronage of the Honorary President of DBWC, Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The Arab Science & Technology Foundation is organizing the conference along with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), in coordination with Etisal Event Management and Public Relations Company.
"Women in Science and Technology do not work and move in a vacuum but in a varied and rich environment which contains other classes like businessmen and businesswomen and male and female decision makers. It is very important for the people in this environment to communicate with each other in order to benefit from the results of the scientific and technological research, and providing the required traction to transfer innovative ideas to industrial and technologically creative projects, that can offer job opportunities and attract investments which in turn make women a basic partner in the sustainable development in different Arab countries," stated Dr. Abdalla A. Alnajjar, ASTFASTF
Dr. Alnajjar emphasized that women have become a key element in building the Arab knowledge society and economy. There are also similar examples in economies like those of the USA, China, India and other Western countries, where women play an important economic role based on science and technology. Many regional and international economic organizations now recommend criteria in assessing and evaluating public and private economic establishments, one of the criteria being 'the reliance on women in the process of production, research, development and decision-making.' It has also been recommended that the percentage of women in the workforce should be not less than 10%-15% for every establishment. The above mentioned feature ensures the importance of providing the appropriate climate for the participation of Arab women in society and sparks the interest in development programs that call for a firm role for women working in S & T for sustainable development in Emirati and Arab societies.
On the second day of the conference i.e., September 29, the seventh session will take place, titled "Business leaders and the empowerment of women in Science & Technology in the Arab World" in which Dr. Olfat El Shiaty, Mrs. As Tazi, Dr. Hisham Hussain and Dr. Hoda Jnahi will be speakers, and they will talk about their own experience in the field of investment and service to society. They will focus on the role that can be played by leaders of the Arab world in strengthening the status of Arab women in all sectors, particularly in the field of science and technology.
Mrs. Faiza Al Sayed, DBWC Vice president, stressed the importance of the conference since the topics have been chosen very carefully in a way that enables a review of the most important efforts and studies that enhance Arab women's position in both the Arab regional and the international arenas. The conference also highlights the development of Arab women in an important field which is science and technology at a time when women have excelled in fields such as education, health and business. It is believed that since the Arab woman is a major partner in the development of her society, she will succeed in breaking into the field of science and technology as she has succeeded in the other fields, and this stems from the feeling of responsibility she carries in addition to the duties she handles. Needless to add, she has been able to prove her capabilities and abilities in all fields, Mrs. Al Sayed said.
She noted that the participation of DBWC in organizing the conference falls within the mandate of the council to have a permanent presence at the forums and conferences that contribute in consolidating the position of Arab women and her contributions in various fields. The conference is also an opportunity for all businesswomen either in Dubai or outside it to benefit from the exchange of views and keep abreast of the latest studies, research and issues related to the scientific and technological fields. Businesswomen will also have an opportunity to positively interact with technology specialists to learn about best practices.
