International Women's Day Conference 2025

Theme: Accelerate Action

Saturday - March 8, 2025 (3:00 PM - 4:30 PM UAE Time)
(Live Online)

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated globally on March 8th each year to honor the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The theme for IWD 2025 is “Accelerate Action,” emphasizing the urgency of advancing gender equality. In alignment with this theme, the Berkeley Voice of Global Women is hosting a live webinar conference to discuss the pivotal role of women in the investment sector and strategies to accelerate gender equality within the industry. The webinar will feature esteemed speakers, including industry leaders and experts, who will share insights on empowering women investors and fostering inclusive financial environments.

This event provides an excellent opportunity for professionals, students, and anyone interested in promoting gender equality in finance to engage in meaningful discussions and network with like-minded individuals. Participants will gain valuable knowledge on current challenges and actionable steps to support and advance women’s roles in the investment world.

PREMIUM BREAKOUTS

Women in Leadership & Business

Strategies to advance women into executive roles and support female entrepreneurship.

Gender Equality in the Workplace

Addressing the gender pay gap, creating inclusive policies, and overcoming biases in hiring and promotions.

Women in Finance & Investment

Encouraging female participation in financial leadership and closing the investment gap for women entrepreneurs.

Tech & Innovation: Women in STEM

Increasing female representation in technology and supporting women in science, engineering, and innovation.

Women’s Health & Well-being

Focusing on mental health support, work-life balance, and workplace policies for maternity and reproductive health.

Breaking Cultural & Societal Barriers

Empowering women in traditionally male-dominated industries and combating gender-based violence.

TOPICS YOU WANT TO HEAR ABOUT, ISSUES AND CHALLENGES, & UNFORGETTABLE TAKEAWAYS.

This is an initiative of Berkeley Middle East which aims at learning and development; so they can create a difference in the world and contribute towards society by utilizing their skills with a lot of networking and relationship-building opportunities.

Knowledge

Having a well-rounded understanding of the topic can help a talk show host facilitate interesting and informative discussions that appeal to a diverse audience.

Insight and Information

Provide insights into various topics, ranging from current events to personal stories, offering viewers valuable information they might not have been aware of before.

Perspective

Guests on talk shows often share their perspectives on different issues, helping viewers to understand multiple viewpoints and broaden their understanding of various topics.

Inspiration

Feature guests who have overcome challenges or achieved success, inspiring viewers to pursue their goals and aspirations.

Connection

Create a sense of connection among viewers, as they listen to stories and experiences that resonate with their own lives or interests.

Education

Depending on the subject matter, our talk shows can also serve as educational platforms, teaching viewers about new ideas, concepts, or developments in various fields.

Awareness

Shed light on important social issues, raising awareness and prompting discussions that can lead to positive change.

Empowerment

Through informative discussions and uplifting stories, talk shows can empower viewers to take action, make informed decisions, or simply feel more confident about themselves.

Audience

Overall, the takeaways of a talk show often include a mix of information, inspiration, and connection, making them a popular form of media for a wide range of audiences.

HOSTED BY

Voice of Global Women

3:00 PM – 3:10 PM (UAE Time):

Host

Musa Shaikh

Musa Shaikh
Berkeley Middle East Holding

Group CFO & CEO

  • Royal Family Investment Advisor
  • Berkeleyme & MS Voice of Global Women – Founding Director

Shaikh is a Certified Public Accountant, a Fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, UK, and a CGMA from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, an Associate member of the Institute of Financial Accountants, a fellow member of International Accountants. He is a Certified Internal Auditor from the Institue of Internal Audit, Florida, USA, a Certified Information System Auditor, and a Fellow Member of Securities and Investments from CISI, United Kingdom. He is a double graduate in law and business, LLB (Hons) from Buckinghamshire New University UK, a Master in Law from Kings College London, a Master in Business Administration from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, a Master in Public Administration from Chichester University, He is a Certified Project Management Professional from PMI, USA. He has amazing capabilities to innovate, equipped with deep knowledge of Artificial intelligence, system architecture, and data sciences. He is a certified Amazon AWS Data Analytics and certified Solutions Architecture Professional. He has more than 20 years of experience in leading financial strategies, planning & budgeting, corporate governance, FP&A, VC, Corporate finance, strategies for turnaround, Risk and compliance management, acquisitions for startups & large projects, financial modeling, due diligence, and advise on leading key business complex matters on a global scale.

3:10 PM – 3:20 PM (UAE Time)

Speaker

H.E. Aarefa Saleh Al Falahi

Currently Involved as a Board in 7 companies and advisor for other 3 companies. She works for more than 10 companies in total. Moreover, she is a bank Leader in the profession with experience of 25 years approx.

  • Board Member, RAK Chamber of Commerce.​
  • Board Member of RAK Insurance Company.
  • X Board Member of Emirates Sports & Cultural club (June 2021- June 2023).
  • Member of the Board of UAE Scout Association.
  • Member of the Board of Al Mataf Traditional Boat Rowing Art Society.
  • Member of the Board of Directors for Vilal Housing .
  • ⁠Member of Board Gulf Cement Company.
  • Member of the Board of RAK SME Association .
  • Chairman of RAK Chamber of Commerce Exhibition Committee​ .
  • Member of Business Industrial Academic Council Committee – HCT – UAE & Member of Computer Information Sciences Industrial Advisory Committee in HCT, RAK.
  • Member of Women on Board Circle (2020) formed by Sh Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan.
  • Ambassador for Srilions Company.
  • Chairman of Emirates Sports Club Ambassadors.
  • Vice President -Senior Branch Manager in one of the leading banks

Other Facts:

  • First UAE female National to be in the position of a Bank Manager in RAK city .
  • Was recognized with prestigious award ( Service Society Medal ) by Sh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nathan for Social activities.
  • Awarded as Top50 Women in Leadership position by Sri Lankian council
  • Ambassador of Srilions Sports Club

3:20 PM – 3:30 PM (UAE Time)

Speaker

Khulood Shaban
Berkeley & Lords

CFO & CEO

Khulood is a philanthropist, a business leader, successful business entrepreneur, and the most influence Arabic women in Gulf region. She is the CFO & CEO of Berkeley Middle East holding an American Emirati Joint venture conglomerate with a diversified portfolio. Khulood career is diversified over several roles including CEO, Director Finance, Financial Controller, & Chief Financial Officer based on decade of experience. Khulood core expertise to manage financial transactions for the whole group and in ongoing projects, arises through Merger or acquisitions, study the fundamental and technical feasibility, evaluate the investment risks by applying high level financial management tools for stakeholders keeping ERP, budgeting, variance reporting aligns with financial strategy of the shareholders. Her strengths are innovative & creativity toward a particular business venture, preparation of business plan, coordination with external auditors, lenders, regulatory authorities, compliances, meeting with investors for arranging of Funds, building a capital Structuring simple and complex, IPO’s securities, active management, & financial decision making.

3:30 PM – 3:40 PM (UAE Time)

Speaker

Mona Sulaiman
Beauty/ Lifestyle Influencer
Public Speaker / Founder of Blink Beauty / Podcaster

I am a distinguished beauty and lifestyle influencer, public speaker, and entrepreneur, recognized with multiple awards for my contributions to the beauty industry.

As the founder of Blink Beauty Cosmetics, I have established a brand that embodies innovation and excellence in beauty. My expertise extends beyond content creation, as I inspire audiences through speaking engagements and collaborations, shaping trends and empowering individuals in the beauty and entrepreneurial space. As a renowned beauty and lifestyle influencer, I have built a strong presence in the industry, inspiring a diverse audience with my expertise, authenticity, and creative content. My journey as a public speaker and award-winning beauty influencer and entrepreneur has positioned me as a thought leader, shaping trends and redefining beauty standards. Through Blink Beauty Cosmetics, I have successfully launched a brand that reflects my passion for beauty, innovation, and empowerment. My commitment to quality and excellence has made my brand stand out, resonating with beauty lovers and industry experts alike. Beyond content creation, I use my platform to educate, motivate, and uplift aspiring influencers and entrepreneurs. My collaborations with top brands, participation in exclusive events, and ability to create engaging, high-quality videos and content have made me a sought-after personality in the beauty and lifestyle space. With a keen eye for trends and a deep understanding of the market, I continue to push boundaries, leaving a lasting impact on the beauty and business world.

3:40 PM – 3:50 PM (UAE Time)

Speaker

Fiona Oster

Fiona Oster

Assistant Professor – University of Birmingham Dubai
Visiting Professor – Heilbronn University Germany

3:50 PM - 4:00 PM (UAE Time)

Speaker

Emine Yilmaz Butun
Founder
Acceleratemea

Emine Yilmaz Butun is a visionary leader in AI, digital transformation, and corporate innovation, with 19 years of experience in Fortune 100 companies, startups, and global advisory roles. As the Founder & CEO of Accelerate MEA, she drives AI adoption, business transformation, and innovation strategies for corporations and governments. A sought-after speaker, she has delivered impactful talks at TEDxCDA, the Knowledge Summit, Arab Health, and AI Global. She also mentors startups worldwide and lectures part-time at a business school, shaping the next generation of leaders.

4:00 PM - 4:10 PM (UAE Time)

4:10 PM - 4:20 PM (UAE Time)

4:20 PM - 4:30 PM (UAE Time)

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED TO ATTEND ONLINE, REGISTER HERE:

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED TO ATTEND ONLINE, REGISTER HERE:

EVENT TEAM

Khulood Shaban

Group CFO & CEO

Aya Ahmed Osman

Relationship Department

Imthiyas Hameed

Group Director Operations

Office: Berkeley Middle East, 25th floor, Sheikh Rashid Tower, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Mobile/ Whatsapp: +971 (0) 58 545 5756 / +971 (0) 58 555 5657

Email: club@berkeleyme.com