The idea that fears, and the courage to face them, can be the most effective fuel for personal Development formed the heart of the welcome speech given by Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of both the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa). She made the remark at the "Women Pioneering the Future" event held at the American University of Sharjah and organized by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center, in collaboration with the university's Emirati Cultural Club and International Studies Club.

With this event, held in celebration of Women's History Month and the theme of which is captured in the slogan "Because of Her," the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center aimed to inspire UAE's youth, particularly women, to achieve great things and become innovators, business-owners, and game-changers in their chosen fields. The speakers were all successful Emirati women with different backgrounds and professions ranging from governmental positions to CEOs of their own corporations. They all sought to emphasize the importance of determination and hard work as well as highlight the opportunities available to today's youth.

As Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi said to the audience of government officials and over 700 students, "It is important to realize early on in life that anything of any value is not achieved easily. Achievement often means going beyond your comfort zone and sometimes success comes with a lot of hardship. Sometimes there are a lot of challenges on the way. You can measure an achievement’s intrinsic worth by the degree of effort it has taken to get there. That’s why it is so important to never give up, never stop trying."

Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi concluded her inspirational speech by asserting to the audience that ‘your longest fear carries your greatest growth.' Keynote speaker Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, added to the inspiration by pointing out the strides women have made in the country and the raw potential held in the younger generation. She stated that 66 percent of the country's public sector is now composed of female employees, and stressed that with 60 percent of the population being under 25 years of age, the opportunity to instigate incredible change lies with them.

The event featured four panels, each with a different focus: "Women Pioneering the Future," a "Fireside Chat" titled "The Importance of Female Entrepreneurship," "Conversation on Women's Studies," and "Celebrating Women of Character, Courage, and Commitment." Questions were crowd-sourced from social media to allow the public to shape the conversations being had.

In her keynote speech, Al Hashimy took the slogan one step further to emphasize the power of the youth by concluding that, "'Because of Her is actually because of all of you."

Source:WAM