Nama launches Badiri Entrepreneurship Programme to support female entrepreneurs

Sharjah - Studies show that full gender equality globally would increase world GDP by up to $28 trillion by 2025

Nama Women Advancement Establishment has announced the launch of the inaugural edition of the Badiri Entrepreneurship Programme (BEP) to empower aspiring as well as established female entrepreneurs in the UAE to start, strengthen, and expand their enterprises.

The seven month programme, starting in May, aims to boost economic opportunities for women in the UAE, taking a hands-on approach to building their knowledge and providing tailor-made tools to harness their capacities to turn their ideas into successful ventures. BEP has been designed in partnership with the UAE’s Ministry of Economy, local and international academic institutions, and specialised local entities.

The initiative was announced via a recent virtual press conference, with the participation of Reem BinKaram, director of Nama, and representatives of the programme’s partners including the UAE Ministry of Economy’s National Program for Small & Medium Enterprises and Projects.

In her keynote speech, she noted that full gender equality globally would increase world GDP by up to $28 trillion by 2025. “Women-owned businesses and companies represent more than 32 per cent of SMEs worldwide. There are estimated to be between 8-10 million companies in developing countries. These numbers, and many others like them, have no value if they do not lead to solutions on the ground. Looking at these numbers, we realise that there is a call for the greater participation of women in the business sector; a call to support female entrepreneurs and to encourage them to grow and expand their businesses.”

She also highlighted the UAE’s status as a role model in the region for encouraging and investing in women’s entrepreneurship. “There are 32,000 Emirati businesswomen helming companies valued at around $50 billion. The UAE also ranks first in the Middle East and North Africa region in the World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law 2021 Report,” she added.

The UAE’s ratings in the World Bank report saw a significant leap by virtue of ground-breaking legislative reforms implemented over the past few years.

“Over the past few years, we have focused on building new generations of female entrepreneurs in Sharjah and the UAE,” said Dr. Mona Al Ali, manager of Badiri Academy. “All our programmes are also geared towards creating new job opportunities, and play a pivotal role in supporting Sharjah's and the UAE's economy. BEP 2021’s comprehensive, scientific, and integrated curriculum is designed to empower participants with a strong business acumen, entrepreneurial skills and a winning attitude.”

“To ensure that the programme achieves its desired goals, we have partnered with leading local and global institutions,” she added. “These agreements are aimed at attracting the best experts to participate and guide the participants in the prgramme.”

Female citizens and residents of the UAE aged 21 and above, who have a business idea they wish to develop, are eligible to join the programme. They must hold a secondary and/or higher education certificate and be proficient in written and spoken English. Applicants must commit to the full programme by attending online lessons and be available for in-person project visits. To register, the application form available on the Badiri website needs to be filled out and submitted, along with a detailed brief of the applicant’s business idea. After reviewing the applications, Badiri will hold virtual interviews with shortlisted candidates. Registration is open from March 24 – April 24, 2021. The programme commences on May 14.

rohma@khaleejtimes.com