• Social media plays an important role in supporting the region’s small, underrepresented businesses
  • Partnership between Facebook and Khalifa Foundation will enhance competitive economy

Ebele Okobi: “Through partnerships with both government and civil society, we are creating opportunities to amplify women’s voices and businesses.”

Dubai, UAE: Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020, organised by Dubai Women Establishment, put the spotlight on how innovative technologies like social media networks alongside partnerships, are helping women to expand their contributions for a better future.

“We know that empowering women leads to better economic growth, but GDP is not always the most salient factor to consider. We should be looking at better outcomes in health, education and even happiness indexes. When we focus on women, we actually help families and societies. It’s critical to not hold women back. Through partnerships with both government and civil society, we are creating opportunities to amplify women’s voices and women’s businesses,” said Ebele Okobi, Facebook’s Public Policy Director for Africa, the Middle East and Turkey.

#SheMeansBusiness, a global platform to share digital training and mentorship, was launched in Dubai in 2017 and Okobi said 14,000 women in MENA have benefited thus far. Okobi also said she is very excited about the possibilities to enhance the region’s competitive economy as a result of Facebook’s partnership with the Khalifa Fund, which will see more women receive training and mentorship.

She mentioned social media plays an important role in supporting small businesses that are underrepresented in this region, especially with reference to its power in connecting people and businesses. She referred to her own clothing items originating from small Nigerian and Vietnamese businesses which are only able to access markets through platforms.

“Stories are really important, because they give us an idea of what’s possible now and in the future,” said Okobi, mentioning some of Egypt’s women entrepreneurs. She continued by telling the story of her grandmother’s adventures as a Nigerian entrepreneur and political activist. “I come from a long line of trouble-making women,” she joked, before giving credit to those in whose footsteps she followed. “I have had great examples of bravery and courage that show you can have a family, a career, and independence – one doesn’t have to take away from the other.”

Okobi said she started her career as one of the unhappiest corporate lawyers, but after volunteering and taking time off, she started working in non-profit with a focus on human and women’s rights. After business school in Paris, she worked with Nike, Yahoo and then Facebook.

When asked for her advice to women, she said: “Just because you get resistance, doesn’t mean you’re wrong. Often the hardest pushback comes because you’re doing exactly the right things. Bring your authentic self to the table and find mentors.” She urged women to figure out their mission and purpose, and listen to their inner voice. “Trust yourself, you know more than you think you do.”

GWFD 2020 is organised by Dubai Women Establishment under the theme ‘The Power of Influence’. The event was focused on discussing how both men and women can influence factors in government, economy, society and future, in order to create a better future for all.

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About Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020:

Global Women's Forum Dubai (GWFD) 2020 is an international event being held on February 16-17, 2020 at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is organised by Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. 

Building on its theme ‘The Power of Influence’, GWFD 2020 offers a global platform to discuss improved policies and foster partnerships that further women’s positive impact across four key areas: government, economy, society, and future. The event aims to engage over 3,000 attendees – including global leaders, public and private sector experts, as well as entrepreneurs, academics and students – through workshops and keynote sessions.

The Forum’s Knowledge Partner is the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).  Alongside the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi), DWE is also co-organising the We-Fi MENA Regional Summit – a side-line event that will host entrepreneurs from the region’s emerging economies.

In line with the UAE’s ongoing commitment to advance gender balance across all sectors, GWFD 2020 will drive female engagement and participation in the workforce, and is a testament to the country’s position as a global role model for the advancement of women.

About Dubai Women Establishment:

Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) was formed in 2006 as a statutory body of Dubai Government by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of Dubai. DWE is headed by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

The Establishment’s mission is to advance the engagement and socio-economic participation of women across various sectors and fields. DWE’s strategic plan 2017-2021 focuses on providing recommendations to shape policies; fostering strategic partnerships; developing capacity-building programmes; as well as conducting in-depth research and facilitating the exchange of knowledge by organising global events and leading initiatives.   

© Press Release 2020

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