Sharjah, 24th November 2020: In partnership with the Badiri Education and Development Academy, the learning and capacity building arm of the NAMA Women Advancement Establishment (NAMA), Sharjah Islamic Bank organized a virtual workshop titled 'Investment and Financial Management'.  The workshop was attended by 55 Emirati talents, seeking for knowledge and training on the basics of Finance Management.

Facilitated by Mr Ali Wahab,  Head of Debt Capital Markets at Sharjah Islamic Bank, the workshop included 7 main themes.  These included the difference between saving and investment, the stages of investment in a person’s life, the available investment methods and the differentiation between different investment assets, in addition to present and future opportunities, current market trends, and the importance of discipline in investment.

Empowering Emirati women and providing them with knowledge

Ms. Fatima Al Suwaidi, Head of Learning and Development at Sharjah Islamic Bank, said: “This workshop comes within the framework of the bank’s commitment to its social responsibilities, especially those related to supporting women and the constant endeavour to enhance their professional capabilities in a way that enables them to effectively contribute to the comprehensive development process. It empowers Emirati women, providing them with the knowledge they need, especially in the fields of investment and business, by providing specialized workshops and training courses that contribute to improving performance and help achieve goals.”

Ms. Al Suwaidi affirmed: “The UAE government strategy for year 2021 is to work hard on the necessity to invest the economic energies of women by developing their potentials, improving their conditions and activating their role as leaders and entrepreneur. The latest statistics from the Ministry of Economy indicate that the number of Emirati businesswomen has reached nearly 25,000, and they own about 50 thousand commercial licenses with investments of up to 60 billion dirhams.”

She added: “Knowledge and investment skills are among the most important means that can open up new horizons for women to play prominent roles in society.  From this standpoint, the workshop shed light on a set agenda that will help women to enhance their presence in the world of investment, especially female entrepreneurs who need continuous advice and training to help them overcome the challenges posed by the rapidly changing business world.”

Dr Mona Al Ali, Director of the Badri Academy, said: “This type of workshop embodies the impact of cooperation and joint work on achieving qualitative achievements that serve institutions and individuals and enhance their contribution to the advancement of countries’ economies and growth rates. The job market is directed to those wishing to develop their job performance and start their entrepreneurial projects, which saves a lot of time and effort and turns academic subjects into practical learning that has tangible results.

She added, "After the success of the experience of cooperation with the government and private institutions in the country, we are looking forward to expanding the base of this cooperation and opening new horizons for young male and female entrepreneurs to acquire new skills in various fields that will serve the future of their business and develop their professional and functional performance."

Elements for a proper investment

The workshop, which witnessed interaction from all the participants in the workshop, aimed to explain the elements of sound investment and the data of the local market to empower women and help them make correct investment decisions that would help launch a phase in the process of economic development.

This workshop comes within the initiatives of Sharjah Islamic Bank, as it is part of its social responsibility. Its support for women comes from its belief in its importance and effectiveness, and in the role it plays in the country's economy now and in the future. It aligns with the directions of the UAE government to empower women in all fields, including the economic and banking fields.

Sharjah Islamic Bank continuously strives to provide all electronic services and facilities, which are designed to meet the requirements of the retail and corporate customers during the current period. The bank seeks to support the nation’s efforts to contain the Coronavirus under the slogan " We Commit Until We Succeed,” and aligns with the UAE’s vision 2021, aimed at achieving a competitive and technology based advanced knowledge  economy through  innovation, along with the bank’s strategy to keep pace with the latest global digital banking technologies.

The Badiri Education & Development Academy, the learning and capacity building arm of the NAMA Women Advancement Establishment (NAMA),  seeks to promote and support the concept of entrepreneurship among women, by developing their professional and knowledge aspects, reviewing and developing experiences, to contribute to raising awareness and confidence in their full capabilities.

The Academy provides women with access to knowledge and skills development through a set of programs and initiatives, which include workshops, training and an e-learning platform, which provide the latest digital resources.