OPPORTUNITIES for partnerships, inspirational talks, and networking activities were the highlight of an event aimed at women in Bahrain.
The second edition of the Women Power Summit (WPS) opened yesterday under the patronage of Youth and Sports Affairs Minister Aymen Almoayyed.
The two-day event features 136 influential leaders sharing their stories as part of 53 learning sessions including workshops, panels and talks.
Ten shortlisted women in tech will also pitch their business ideas, as well as 50 mentoring sessions aimed at creating new opportunities for collaborations and partnerships.
Held under the theme of ‘Women in Entrepreneurship: Inspiring Action and Leading Change’ and organised by Obai and Hill, the event aims to showcase opportunities for investments, partnerships and collaborations created by inspirational female entrepreneurs and investors.
During yesterday’s opening Obai and Hill chief executive Wafa Al Obaidat highlighted the importance of creating a platform for women from different fields to connect and share knowledge and expertise.
She hoped this would inspire women to move forward with their careers and aim higher to achieve their goals.
“The idea is to create a platform where women can connect, learn and grow in a space that allows them to be vulnerable, ask questions and meet mentors,” she told the GDN.
“We wanted to create a protocol-free space and a direct-marketing free space where people can really discuss their failures and how women can get into more leadership roles.
“It’s not an easy path so the idea is to get as many women as possible who are incredible and inspiring to share their journeys and experiences and where we can accelerate our learning from that.”
Some of yesterday’s speakers were Haya Rashed Al Khalifa Bureau of Attorney founder Shaikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa, Bahrain Entrepreneurship Organisation founder and chairwoman Feryal Nass, Rana Salam Studio founder and creative director Rana Salam, True North Consulting founder Vivian Jamal, athlete and entrepreneur Tracy Harmoush, Animal and Environment Protection Charity Organisation (AEPCO) president Shaikha Marwa bint Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, and Emirati singer Balqees Fathi among others.
“The message we want to deliver is that we are there to support any young woman or man who want to enter the entrepreneurship sector,” said Ms Nass.
“It is very safe to do that if you have the right vision and elements and more importantly to inspire others to take those steps.
“When you put innovation and creativity together you can achieve wonders.”
The event will end today at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa with speakers such as Mother and Child Welfare Society president Shaikha Hind bint Salman Al Khalifa, Bahraini Olympic athlete Ruqaya Al Ghasra, Women’s Crisis Care International founder and director Mary-Justine Todd and Paralympic athletes Aisha Al Subaie, Amal Fardan and Roba Al Omari.
The WPS also included pre-activities such as the largest cycling ride with over 100 participants and a woman-centric run with over 150 participants.
reem@gdn.com.bh
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