First-of-its-kind excusive diploma to promote career advancement and leadership skills for professional women

Dubai, November 22nd, 2007-  FORSA, a pioneering investment company launched for women by women, has yesterday (Wednesday, November 21, 2007) announced a strategic alliance with INSEAD, one of the world's top 10 business schools, to offer women business leaders in the region the opportunity to further enhance their leadership role and management expertise. The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. 

The tie-up with INSEAD, the business school for the world, has paved the way for the introduction of a unique diploma that is recognized internationally and created for women in the region. Being the first of its kind, the "FORSA-INSEAD  Executive Management Program for Women" program will offer professional executive women a chance to reinforce their skills and prepare them for the subsequent level of leadership in the ever-changing business environment through world-class education.

Only 25 select women candidates will be offered the opportunity to participate in the "FORSA-INSEAD Executive Management Program for Women" which will be held in Dubai over a one-year period. Having understood the needs of the women in the region and respecting their lifestyle and sensibilities, this comprehensive program will consist of six one week modules will consist of six one week modules. It will be conducted INSEAD faculty who share FORSA'S commitment to excellence and an understanding of the realities of today's business conditions.

Commenting on the program, Shamsa Noor Ali Rashid, CEO of FORSA, said: "We are proud to announce the "FORSA-INSEAD Executive Management Program for Women", which is part of our vision for the region to create a new generation of executive women leaders. This significant alliance with a world class institution like INSEAD reflects our commitment to accelerate the development of management and leadership skills of women executives".

With the aim of becoming a key driver of growth for women business leaders in the Middle East and North Africa region, FORSA uses an integrated approach to provide women a platform to pursue their financial goals. FORSA's offerings include investment products, entrepreneurial opportunities and professional expertise.  

Ajit Velu, Director, Partner Development, Asia Pacific and the Middle East, INSEAD, said: "Our alliance with FORSA allows us to tap into the vast potential that exists in the Middle East for a specially designed program that focuses on the professional advancement of women. We are confident that it will empower and provide them the opportunity to obtain a world-class management education,  putting them on par with  business leaders globally."

While Mona Walid, Head of FORSA Foundation, FORSA added:"The FORSA Foundation CSR initiatives are designed to accelerate the growth of women executives in this region, funded by corporate sponsorships." 

The FORSA-INSEAD alliance comes at a time when the region is making concentrated efforts to encourage women into the workforce as well as boosting their career paths. Simultaneously, the "FORSA-INSEAD Executive Management Program for Women" embarks upon a new era of prosperity and will harness the GCC's human capital and encourage a greater degree of women participants. 

Details of the "FORSA-INSEAD Executive Management Program for Women" can be obtained by calling a dedicated toll line 800-FORSA, internationally on +9714-375 9655 or by visiting the website www.forsa.ae or www.insead.edu.

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About FORSA, An investent company created for women by women 
Established in January 2007, FORSA LLC is an investment company created for women by women, as a subsidiary of Dubai World. FORSA aspires to attract and engage female investors, partner with successful female enterpreneurs and develop women business leaders. Its offerings include investment products, entrepreneurial opportunities and professional expertise. The company understands the needs of women and is committed to the development of women executive leaders. FORSA's mission is to utilize the collective force of women in the GCC with investments targeted towards leveraging the growing local, regional and international economies.

About INSEAD, The Business School for the World
As one of the world's leading and largest graduate business schools, INSEAD brings together people, cultures and ideas from around the world to change lives and transform organisations. The unique global perspective and multicultural diversity of INSEAD are reflected in all aspects of its research and teaching. Currently, at the school's two comprehensive and fully connected campuses in Asia (Singapore) and Europe (France), as well as at the school's centre in the Middle East (Abu Dhabi), 143 renowned faculty members from 32 countries inspire more than 882 MBA participants, 59 Executive MBAs, 59 PhD candidates and over 8,000 executives. On both campuses and at research centres in the Middle East (Abu Dhabi and Israel), faculty conduct leading edge research projects with the support of 17 Centres of Excellence. The INSEAD-Wharton Alliance further extends the reach of INSEAD business education and research across three continents. More information on INSEAD can be found at www.insead.edu.

For further information, please contact:
Mohana Rao,
FORSA,
Dubai,
UAE
Tel: +9714-375 9655 ;
Fax: +9714-375 9630
E-mail: mohana.rao@forsa.ae
          

© Press Release 2007