The Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC), an affiliate of NAMA Women Advancement, has issued a directive to form sector-focused committees of board members to execute projects and initiatives to assist businesswomen.

Under the directive, the committees will be headed by SBWC board members to formulate strategies to advance sectors and equip women with the necessary skills and expertise to advance their businesses. The committees will also have a key role in establishing networks between SBWC board members and diverse business sectors in Sharjah.

Each committee will comprise 3-4 businesswomen and established entrepreneurs and those aiming to kickstart their projects and businesses.

Mariam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of SBWC, said: “As part of the Council’s mission to equip members with relevant skills and expertise, SBWC will utilize the extensive knowledge and experience of its board members to help other members and help position women as key players in Sharjah’s economy. The new committees will also bolster SBWC’s status as a supporter and incubator for businesses and entrepreneurs.”

The committee focused on the jewelry and fashion sectors commenced its activities by hosting an insightful talk on “Sustainable fashion: The Trend of Now, Tomorrow and the Future” by Emirati designer Yara bin Shakar, founder of the Yara bin Shakar ready-to-wear contemporary fashion label.

Addressing aspiring women entrepreneurs, Yara Bin Shakar explained that sustainable fashion, also known as ‘slow fashion’, was launched by environmental activists and advocates to combat the large carbon footprint in the fashion industry, one of the most polluting industries in the world.  

Showcasing her experience in sustainable fashion, the designer said: “As part of our efforts to protect the environment, we have discontinued the use of paper bags and currently use recycled bags while our textile waste is recycled to manufacture make-up remover wipes, which is our bestselling product.”