Sharjah Businesswomen's Council Sets the Pace for Women's Economic Empowerment

The Sharjah Businesswomen Council continues to grow as a key platform for economic empowerment, turning women's business ideas into real opportunities and supporting female entrepreneurs as active partners in the UAE's economy. The council's efforts reflect broader national achievements, with the UAE ranking 7th globally and 1st regionally in the 2024 Gender Equality Index by the UN Development Programme.

The numbers tell a clear story of progress. Women's participation in the UAE workforce jumped to 34.6% in 2024 from 32.5% the previous year. Female entrepreneurs now make up 18% of all business owners in the country, with an impressive 77.6% of women-owned businesses led by women under 40.

Here's what makes these figures even more interesting: 48.8% of these women hold CEO positions, and 61.4% own their businesses individually. The first half of 2024 saw over 2,000 new companies founded by Emirati businesswomen, representing about 22% of all newly registered companies nationwide. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation reports that women's participation in the job market grew by 16% during the first ten months of this year.

The Sharjah council has launched several practical initiatives to support this growth. The "Anwan Market" provides small and medium enterprises with rental spaces, training, and mentorship opportunities. The "Jeel" initiative, partnering with Education for Employment, supports creative business ideas among entrepreneurs.

The council also streamlined bureaucratic processes through its "One Window" service, which simplifies obtaining permits, visas, and licenses from Sharjah's Economic Development Department. They've developed a mobile app and built partnerships with government entities while participating in regional and international conferences.

But the council isn't just focused locally. It's building partnerships across Europe, particularly through the second "Sharjah-Europe Businesswomen Forum" organized by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Brussels. These international connections help local entrepreneurs access new markets and expand their reach.

The strategy appears to be working. By 2022, the Sharjah Businesswomen Council had doubled its membership to 2,246 members. This growth reflects the UAE's broader commitment to gender equality and economic diversification, where women play an increasingly central role in driving business innovation and economic development.

For investors and market watchers, these trends signal a significant shift in the UAE's business landscape. Women-led businesses are no longer a niche segment but a substantial part of the economy's growth engine, particularly in entrepreneurship and small business development.