Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), Dubai Women’s College (DWC) inaugurated its 6th Annual Insight Dubai Conference, focusing on women and empowerment in the Arab world.
Insight Dubai Conference 2010 has succeeded this year in breaking the records through uniting 65 female students from universities and colleges around the world representing more than 35 countries with 65 Emirati students from DWC to spend an exciting, interactive 5-days discussing issues on women's empowerment and women's roles in governance and leadership. This conference is exceptional as it enables each participant to take an active role in simulations, debates, role plays and discussions to share their views and learn from one another.
Dr. Howard Reed, Director of Dubai Women’s College, said that the Insight Dubai International Student Leadership Conference at Dubai Women’s College is a unique, life changing opportunity for 65 young ladies from around the world and 65 DWC students. “During this week long experience, the students will learn about and discuss topics of international importance, learn about Dubai’s culture, make life-long friends and dispel negative stereotypes. Participants and facilitators come from 35 countries,” he added.
The 5-day conference, which is generously sponsored this year by Dr. Suliman’s Al Fahim Group and Roots Social Support Voluntary Group, began with a cultural awareness day. Students watched a film on Dubai culture created by Nayla Al Khaja, DWC Alumnae and another film on modern Dubai culture created by DWC students. This was followed by small group sessions where the participants met their “buddy”. Each international student is “buddied” with a DWC student for the duration of the conference, allowing a deep mutual cultural exchange that often grows into a lifelong friendship. The day concluded with a lively cultural quiz where students could assess their knowledge of geography and cultural facts.
Dr. Suliman Al Fahim, IIMSAM’s Good-well Ambassador, and the main sponsor of Insight Dubai Conference pointed out that the importance of this conference is coming from the interaction between Emirati and international students in a large variety of activities as well as lectures on hot topics such as Human Trafficking and Autism. “Spreading awareness about Autism is one of the major issues in my agenda locally and globally, as Autism is growing very fast and the only cure is early interval that can be achieved only with patents awareness, and community acceptance,” he mentioned.
Dr. Suliman also praised having Sheikh Zayed photo gallery held on the sidelines of the conference in cooperation with The National Centre for Documentation and Research and Ministry of Presidential Affairs. The collection of photos was mainly of Sheikh Zayed with women and children.
“I think it is very important for intercultural communication to take place. I find it fascinating to meet new people with different views, and share my opinion with them”, says Camilla Mura, a participant from Italy. “When I leave Insight Dubai, I hope to take away with me not only the skill of approaching a situation from opposing angles, but also the inspiration to effect positive change in every sphere of society, regardless of the cultural barriers built between individuals”, noted Almas Haider of the USA. Hanadi Adbulla, a DWC student, added, “Insight Dubai is an opportunity for me to interact with foreign students and open my mind to different types of thinking.”
DWC is the first academic institution to win the Dubai Quality Appreciation Award in 2006. It also initiated and hosted international conferences – empowering women to become global leaders.
