The event proved equal to the challenge: bring the debate on women’s economic and societal position to the very heart of the Arab world. In Dubai this past February 23-24, President of the Women’s Forum, Clara Gaymard, the General Director, Jacqueline Franjou and their teams carried off an achievement that was still inconceivable just a few years ago.

 

 

The creation of the Women’s Forum was due largely in part to the testimonies of feminine “role models” evoking their own backgrounds and their visions of the world. The role that women could hold has multiple facets, be they economic, political or cultural.

The Dubai edition, developed in partnership with the Dubai Women Establishment, was no exception and was a resounding success. Constituting a significant first in the region, it brought together over 1500 women from Dubai and more than 700 women from across the world.

Among them, Marianne Franjou, Partner at Altana, was able to meet and exchange with eminent personalities such as Christine Lagarde and Valérie Pécresse, Clara Gaymard (formerly of GE), as well as Maurice Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, President of the Isle of Maurice, Emma Bonino, former Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Anja Wyden, State Chancellor of Geneva, and also Publicis Vice-President Olivier Fleurot and Sanofi Vice-Presidet Robert Sebbag.

The topics addressed by the forum primarily centered on the slogan “Let’s Innovate” and the quality of the presentations was excellent. “During a roundtable on cities of the world and the idea of “City of the World” to which Paris aspires, I was able to speak with a good number of expatriates who appreciate the local life, even qualifying Dubai as the city “where everything is possible”, explains Marianne Franjou. Among them, female entrepreneurs and the director of the French Chamber of Commerce.

During each of these forums, but even more particularly in Dubai, men are barely present and the women have true freedom of expression. It releases an incredible energy and impressive solidarity. “In particular, I met a Palestinian woman who created a human resources development company in Ramallah”, added Marianne Franjou. “Her courage and her desire to develop her activity greatly touched me. A Tunisian doctor, under close surveillance for the positions she takes, also shared with me the ambitions of the young women in her country, a valuable lesson in courage and determination”.

In reality; the generation of women ages 25 to 35 is starting to assume a good portion of the powers in these countries. With regard more specifically to Dubai, they are numerous in the government and create many businesses.

We hope to see them with us in the coming years!