1 year ago
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The Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT) participated in the inaugural Regional Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Forum, organised by UN Women and the UN Global Compact, held recently in Casablanca, Morocco.
The two-day forum, themed “Promoting Women in Business, Gender-Equitable Masculinities, and Social Norms in the Middle East and North Africa,” convened a distinguished gathering of experts, decision-makers, and industry specialists to discuss strategies for advancing women’s roles in business and fostering equal opportunities across the region.
During the forum’s second day, Mrs. Noora Jamsheer, CEO of the Institute, participated in the panel discussion “Breaking Barriers for Women in STEM,” addressing the challenges women face in these fields across the MENA region, despite the region’s high rates of female graduates in STEM disciplines globally.
Mrs. Jamsheer highlighted DANAT Institute’s pioneering role in empowering women through policies and initiatives that enhance participation in STEM, particularly in the pearl and gemstone sector, which increasingly integrates technology and innovation.
Emphasizing the Institute’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment, Mrs. Jamsheer outlined efforts to provide advanced training, qualification programs, and leadership opportunities for female professionals. The rapid advancements in science and technology were highlighted as they present a unique opportunity to expand women’s roles, particularly given the absence of entrenched male dominance, allowing for greater contributions in innovation and leadership.
Additionally, Mrs. Jamsheer explored potential collaborations with participating entities to strengthen women’s empowerment in the gemstone and jewellery sector, underscoring the Institute’s commitment to leveraging successful global models in alignment with Bahrain’s Vision 2030, which positions women as key drivers of economic and social progress.
“Our participation in The First Regional WEPs Forum underscores our firm belief in the crucial role women play in driving societal progress and strengthening economic sectors. This aligns with our dedication to fostering a work environment founded on equality, ensuring that women have fair opportunities to succeed and advance in their careers. Bahraini women have demonstrated exceptional competence across various fields, and we are committed to supporting and empowering them in the pearl and gemstone sector—an industry deeply embedded in our Kingdom’s rich historical heritage.” commented Mrs. Noora Jamsheer, CEO of DANAT.
Mrs. Jamsheer further emphasized the Institute’s alignment with the Seven Principles of Women’s Empowerment, established by the United Nations, highlighting its ongoing efforts to implement strategic initiatives that foster a sustainable, gender-inclusive work environment rooted in diversity and equal opportunity.
Mrs. Jamsheer highlighted DANAT’s proactive approach in developing specialized training programs and initiatives designed to enhance women’s expertise in pearl and gemstone analysis and classification, equipping them with the necessary skills to excel in this dynamic and historically significant sector.
“DANAT is dedicated to advancing the participation of Bahraini women in the pearl and gemstone industry, through these initiatives, we strive to further strengthen Bahrain’s position as a leader in this esteemed and historically significant sector.” Mrs. Jamsheer concluded.
The forum served as a vital platform for dialogue and the exchange of expertise on global best practices in women’s empowerment. It underscored the increasing global emphasis on fostering diversity and inclusion across different professional landscapes.
The event gathered WEPs signatories from across the region, providing them with an opportunity to share insights and innovative approaches to gender-responsive business practices. The forum featured panel discussions and interactive workshops led by prominent speakers from major industries, covering key areas such as human resources, corporate social responsibility (CSR), marketing, communications, and public relations. Additionally, representatives from the creative industries contributed valuable perspectives, enriching the discussions with cross-sectoral expertise.
