In a region where gender quality and women’s empowerment are finding their way to the top of every agenda of late, there are many female leaders and policy makers. On the forefront leading change in the most inspiring ways is Her Excellency Shamsa Saleh. Known as CEO of Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) & Secretary General of UAE Gender Balance Council, Saleh has had a long career in creating environments and initiatives that enhance the role of women as equal contributors to society and economy.
Saleh joined DWE in 2008, just two years after the organization was established in 2015, launching over the years several projects aimed at supporting women across the nation and breaking stereotypes regarding women in the workplace. Under her leadership, several key projects have been launched by DWE to date, such as the Arab Women Leadership Forum, Women Leadership Exchange Program, Women in Board Initiative, and The National Child Care Centres Project.
Headed by Her Highness Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, DWE aims to encourage and facilitate the participation of women in the workforce and society, particularly on a decision-making level. Indeed, according to the Establishment’s official website, DWE’s principal mission is “to champion women in driving the socio-economic future of Dubai through influencing policies, sharing knowledge and leading initiatives.”
As part of the council of the UAE Gender Balance Council, Saleh and other team members are working on several directives, such as to reduce the gender gap across all government sectors, elevate the UAE’s ranking in gender equality, have women present in decision-making roles, and set UAE as a benchmark for gender balance legislation.
Prior to her roles in DWE and the Gender Balance Council, Saleh was also Head of Corporate Planning & Projects Management – Vice President Corporate Strategy at Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX) (2006 to 2008), and Strategy and Special Project Senior Analyst in the strategy department at TECOM (2002 to 2006).
