day “Women in Leadership Forum” opened here today as a platform for women leaders to network and discuss business issues. The event is being held at the Park Hyatt Hotel under the patronage of Princess Lolowah Al-Faisal, the Vice Chair and General Supervisor of the board of trustees of Effat University. The forum will focus on five pillars to assist women entrepreneurs. This includes government help, finance, knowledge and education, commercialization and support. The forum which will be an annual event is the first of its kind in the Kingdom.? A number of regional speakers will address key challenges facing women. There will also be interactive discussion groups of around 20 participants, encouraging the sharing of experiences and challenges, recipes for success and the creation of innovative ideas. Well-known speakers include Dr. Lama Al-Sulaiman, Vice Chairman Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Muna Abu Sulayman, Secretary General Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation; Dr. Haifa Jamal Al-Lail, President Effat University; Dr. Basmah Omair, CEO Al-Sayedah Khadijah Bint Khuwalid Center; Dalal Kaaki, President Al-Sayedah; and Fatima Al-Zahra, Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The forum aims to create economic roundtables where women can gather to network and actively develop women's roles in family businesses. The forum aims to have a number of awards, including Saudi Businesswoman of the Year, Leading Woman in the Public Sector, Leading Woman CEO, Leading Woman in a Family Business, Most Innovative Woman Entrepreneur, Most Women-Friendly Employer and Most Philanthropic Initiative.
