An award-winning global organisation aimed at pushing women in creative and media industries into the top ranks is to launch in the Middle East.
SheSays, the only global creative network for women, will officially open in Dubai on September 28.
Spearheaded by Ogilvy & Mather’s Elizabeth Dewar and StartJG’s Amelia Richardson-Smith, the network aims to inspire and provide women in the region’s advertising and media industry with a platform to develop their leadership skills in a traditionally male-dominated arena.
SheSays will primarily consist of talks, discussion panels and seminars, to help promote women in
the industry.
It is hoped that the global organisation’s internship programme will also be launched for Dubai’s creative graduates and students.
Dewar said: “We all know we need more diversity at the top of our industry – on a global scale – but now it’s Dubai’s turn to take part in that conversation.
“We owe it to our clients to give them the best, most balanced and diverse kind of work possible, and that will only be reflected in how and who is judging and directing the work within our agencies.
“As it stands, the industry in Dubai could do a lot better, so SheSays is a chance for us to really make a change. It’s very exciting to be a part of the network and we’ve got a lot of big plans in the works, I can’t wait to
see the impact we’ll make on the industry here.”
Richardson-Smith added: “SheSays is a movement as well as a support network. It’s about empowering and motivating females in the industry through mentorship, experience, support and education. I’m proud to be part of an organisation that inspires women to stand up, and believe they can achieve the success and respect they deserve in the workplace.”
SheSays first began launching regular events in London in early 2007 and has expanded rapdily in the last nine years.
Currently, the organisation has hubs in 38 cities and 18 countries in total and counts a membership of around 40,000 women.
As well as Dubai, the project is also expected to launch bases in Hamburg and Bucharest.
