The Impact Hub for Emirati Women Achievers is a new initiative in the UAE aimed at transforming the role of Emirati women in driving the nation’s economic and cultural growth. This program emerges from the legacy of the Emirati Women Achievers (EWA) Initiative launched two years ago by startAD, a platform that supports local and global startups in scaling in the UAE. The Impact Hub seeks to provide Emirati women with knowledge, skills, connections, and resources to further leadership in global culture, society, and the economy.
The vision for the Impact Hub was born out of interactions with extraordinary Emirati women involved in startAD programs. This led to the realization that there was a need for a space to empower and uplift these women who are making remarkable strides every day. The initiative aims to provide a structured framework to empower these women further and amplify their stories through networking events, training programs, and tailored programming for Emirati women leaders in various sectors.
The Impact Hub has already nurtured a dynamic community of over 105 Emirati women across diverse fields in just three years. The initiative has received support from esteemed figures like Sheikha Fatima, the Mother of the Nation, marking a significant milestone in recognizing women’s achievements in the UAE. The hub aims to advance 300 EWA leaders over the next five years and address gaps in data, skill development, and peer-to-peer learning.
The foundation of the Impact Hub is rooted in the visionary leadership of Sheikha Fatima, who has long been committed to advancing the roles of Emirati women across various sectors. Her foresight in promoting education for Emirati women in the early 1970s laid the groundwork for the UAE’s remarkable progress in gender equality and women’s leadership. The launch of the National Strategy for the Empowerment of Emirati Women 2023-2031 further showcases Sheikha Fatima’s commitment to this cause.
Moving forward, the Impact Hub plans to launch several key projects aimed at creating global success stories for Emirati women. This includes programs like the Ambassadorship Program to equip women with internationalization strategies, bootcamps, market access tracks, and the Conscious Investor Fellowship Program to train female investors in prioritizing social impact sectors. The goal is to create an environment where Emirati women can thrive, innovate, and lead on a global scale with the support of impactful partnerships and a growing community of professionals and investors.
In conclusion, the Impact Hub for Emirati Women Achievers is a pioneering initiative that aims to empower and uplift Emirati women to drive economic and cultural growth in the UAE. With a focus on training, networking events, and tailored programs for women leaders in various sectors, the initiative seeks to address gaps in data, skill development, and peer-to-peer learning. Inspired by the visionary leadership of Sheikha Fatima, the Impact Hub is set to create global success stories and foster a community where Emirati women can thrive and lead on a global scale.