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Women in Business Conference on March 30, 31

MUSCAT — The Women in Business Conference, scheduled for March 30 and 31, will bring together leading entrepreneurs, professional women and students at a forum to share experiences and gain valuable insight.

To be held at InterContinental Hotel Muscat, it aims to assist those that attend the meet to fully realise their potential for personal and professional development.

Under the patronage of Her Highness Sayyida Aliya bint Thuwaini Al Said, the theme of this year’s conference, ‘Global Market Place — Challenges & opportunity’ recognises the dynamic environment of today’s business world and addresses conquering challenges, and how to seize the right opportunity at the right time.

The 2009 event will also be presided over by a new committee established to stimulate a debate around women’s business development, business concerns and needs, and to ensure that this year’s conference will exceed the needs and expectations of participants.

Salma Al Hashmi, managing director of Envent said: “We are proud to announce the new ‘Business Women Committee’, in partnership with the Oman Chamber of Commerce. This committee will preside over the upcoming ‘Women in Business Conference and Awards; a forum that connects the female business leaders of tomorrow, and encourages a healthy exchange of talent and experience between local Omani business women and the world.”

Fifteen of the world’s most sought-after female business role models have confirmed their attendance as keynote speakers and the conference has been designed to include workshops and networking sessions. Two of the keynote speakers at the seminal conference for businesswomen, will be Rokia Afzal Rahman and Rashida Ali Hamood Al Hamdani.

In 1964, Rokia Afzal Rahman became the first female bank manager in India. She later became a sponsor director in Midas Financing Limited and a director for Reliance Insurance Ltd Rokia also served as a director in the Central Bank of Bangladesh as a member of the board for three years. Having won awards and been graced with the highest of honours, she diversified her portfolio to include media, real estate, development and has invested her time to establish key women’s associations in her home country.

Rashida Ali Hamood Al Hamdani is currently the chairperson for the Women’s National Committee, member of the Executive Board of the Arab Women’s Organisation, secretary-general of Yemen Family Care Association, and adviser to the Prime Minister for Administrative Development. Rashida has organised and participated in seminars and conferences in many countries, particularly on subjects related to women’s issues.

The Women in Business Conference 2009 will also include an awards ceremony to reward successful businesswomen, and their contribution to the economy. Nominations for each category are now open and can be proposed by a third party such as their employer, by themselves, or may be selected directly by the organising committee. Award categories include the Executive of the Year Award and Entrepreneur of the Year Award.