Dazzled in Dubai

In Cairo, there is a lot of talk about Dubai. Cairo used to be the headquarters of the Arab world; essentially the center of political, cultural, economic happenings in this part of the world. Cairo was the place to be. But that era is over, as Cairo has largely been replaced by a rising star in the region: Dubai. But the talk of the town isn't restricted to this part of the world, Dubai is the talk of the world. Skyscrapers rising from the desert, man-made islands in the shape of palm trees, 7 star hotels, and a mix of cultures and peoples that make Fulbrighters drool. It is said that 80 percent of the population of Dubai is international, largely from South and South East Asia. Coming from India, Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and dozens of other countries, workers travel to this booming city to get a piece of the pie. Workers rights and labor laws are much needed in this city of dreams, as exploitation and abuses of workers rights are more of a problem than the city would like to admit. However, the mix of cultures and religions in this city of wonders is something that the Emir, Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, can be proud of.

I came to Dubai for a conference on Women's Global Leadership, held by Zayed University. A three day event brought together about 1200 students and professionals all committed to encouraging women's leadership in all sectors of society in all parts of the world. What we all discovered, was that we were not alone in our desires to see women take on more positions of power in communities which desperately need female leadership. Amongst the headline speakers were Jane Fonda-Actress and Activist, Reem Al-Hashimy-U.A.E Minister of State, Helen Thomas-Journalist and author, Carol Bellamy- Former Head of UNICEF and CEO of World Learning, Salma Hareb, CEO Jebel Ali Free Zone (U.A.E), Najla Mohammed Al-Awar-Secretary General for the U.A.E Cabinet, and of course, Dr. Mary Sue Coleman, University President of my alma mater, The University of Michigan. There were other speakers, all impressive women leaders, and all committed to seeing more of their sisters in other positions of leadership. In additions to speeches and panel discussions, the conference also presented dozens of workshops which we were able to attend. Covering all sectors of society and all presented by women of all walks of life, I often found myself torn between which sessions to attend. With students and professionals coming from all sorts of backgrounds, these panels made for some great discussions and helped me see this topic in new ways. What sort of perspective does an American-living in Egypt hold? Perhaps as unique as an Indonesian-studying in Singapore, as was the case with my roommate and new friend, Sisca.

Here are just a few of the fascinating presentations that I attended:

"Leaders Waging Peace? Gender and Children in Conflict Context."
One of the presenters on this panel was Dr. Pablo Abitbol, whose presentation on women's peace initiatives in Colombia was extremely demonstrative of how women, who are often take the brunt of men's wars, are perhaps the most effective leaders for ending conflict and establishing peace.

"Learning Leadership through Mentorship: Opportunities for Women within the Academy"
Dr. Mabel Evwierhoma, from the University of Abuja in Nigeria, lectured on the importance of female mentorship, as it is important for the current female leaders to encourage the next generation of women to have the courage to enter the field. Mentors tend to find mentees who are similar to themselves, and as many women often encounter, one of the hardest aspects of entering a male dominated field is the exclusivity of the "men's club". If male leaders continue to encourage young men to fill their shoes, the cycle of gender unbalanced leadership will continue. Therefore, it is of upmost importance that current female leaders ask themselves, "Who do I want to fill my shoes? Who do I want to inspire to lead?"

"Leadership at the Grassroots: Born Poor, Becoming Leadership: The Case of Female Leaders in Upper Egypt" In this presentation, Solava Ibrahim, Ph.D Candidate at Cambridge University, presented her research on women's initiatives to end female circumcision (female genital mutilation) in their villages.

"Voices of U.A.E Women Business Leaders" Emrati business founder and owner, Farida Kamber, told her story of how she established one of the most successful interior design firms in the United Arab Emirates, disproving local doubts about her ability to enter that male-dominated market, and deflating western stereotypes of Arab-Muslim women as domestic servants.

Overall, the conference was a huge success. I could write dozens of blogs on the inspiring people I met, controversial topics covered, and innovative ideas shared. I will not make you all suffer through these, but don't be surprised if I start a lot of my sentences with.."well when I was in Dubai". This conference encouraged me that I am not alone in my hopes to see more women leaders, and that I am not the only one who believes that all societies and countries would benefit from female leadership. Whether they are prime ministers, doctors, CEOs, university presidents, activists, mothers, religious leaders, or all of the above, women should own their leadership potential. Their communities need them, and the world needs them even more.

Pauline would like renounce any implications this blog has on her choice of presidential candidate. Gobama Go!