The Sharjah Businesswomen Council plays a pivotal role that goes beyond merely highlighting opportunities; it serves as a practical empowerment platform that assists female entrepreneurs in acquiring the tools needed for international trade, from comprehending supply chains and building partnerships to honing negotiation skills and making informed business decisions. Concurrently, the council instills a fundamental belief that a circular economy is no longer an optional approach but a necessary strategy that enhances a project’s competitive edge in the market.
In the realm of commerce, mere theoretical knowledge of markets is insufficient, as many intricate details can only be grasped through direct experience. This is why international trade missions are considered vital for developing the skills of women entrepreneurs, providing them with firsthand interactions with suppliers, manufacturers, and production conditions, thus fostering a realistic understanding of global markets.
Economic studies indicate that participation in external missions has, on average, led to an increase of over 170% in the export values of participating companies, and has raised the likelihood of unexporting companies transitioning to exporters by approximately 26 percentage points post-participation, thanks to the hands-on skills and direct networking opportunities these experiences offer, which help bridge knowledge gaps and mitigate risks.
Following this approach, the Sharjah Businesswomen Council organized a trade mission to China in 2025, serving as a practical example of transitioning female entrepreneurs from theoretical preparation to direct engagement with global manufacturing hubs, thereby fostering relationships based on knowledge and trust.
Today, global markets do not merely inquire about the nature of products; they also pose questions related to production methods, waste generation, and the environmental compliance of packaging, especially in the fashion, beauty, and retail sectors. This shift emphasizes the concept of a circular economy as a new key to competing in international trade, a principle that the Sharjah Businesswomen Council positions at the core of its programs and initiatives.
Data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) suggests that women prioritize sustainability more than men, which supports the council’s commitment to enriching female entrepreneurs’ knowledge and skills in the circular economy sector; women naturally tend to foster sustainable projects and adopt business models that are more resource-conscious and less wasteful, aligning with the entrepreneurial environment of the UAE that encourages responsible innovation.
In light of this understanding, the 2025 Businesswomen’s Councils Forum aims to transform the concept of sustainability from a theoretical idea into a practical focal point for discussion and implementation, by bringing together female entrepreneurs with decision-makers and economic sector experts, positioning the circular economy at the center of conversations about future business models as a realistic pathway to enhancing project competitiveness, increasing efficiency, and enabling growth in both local and global markets.
Practical Knowledge
Mariam bin Sheikh, the director of the Sharjah Businesswomen Council, stated: “We are dedicated to providing our members with practical knowledge and relationships that reduce risks, enhance decision quality, and help them present a competitive product—one that meets sustainability standards. International reports highlight the necessity of these skills; for instance, the International Trade Centre (ITC) notes that adherence to standards and specifications is essential for enabling small and medium-sized enterprises to compete in international markets, while the World Bank emphasizes that improvements in logistics performance are associated with lower trade costs, illustrating why knowledge of shipping and supply chains is crucial for expansion.”