Celebrating female leaders in STEM and social enterprise
A powerful wave of creativity and leadership took over NYU Abu Dhabi as women from around the world came together for the Women’s Innovation Forum. The event aimed to spotlight the achievements and ideas of female pioneers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and social enterprise.
Held in the heart of Abu Dhabi, the forum created a vibrant platform for women to share their stories, collaborate on innovative projects, and inspire future generations.
A Stage for Change-Makers
From students to scientists, entrepreneurs to educators, the forum welcomed women from different fields and experiences. They came with one goal—to support each other and work toward a more inclusive, innovative future.
Speakers included influential women from the UAE and abroad who have made outstanding contributions in their careers. Many of them are working on groundbreaking solutions for global issues like climate change, access to education, healthcare, and gender equality.
Dr. Aisha Al Dhaheri, a scientist and keynote speaker, said during her talk, “We need more spaces like this where women can feel empowered to lead and innovate. Events like this prove that we are not just participating in change—we are driving it.”
Youth Voices and Student Leaders
NYU Abu Dhabi students played a key role in organizing and participating in the forum. Many young female students presented their research and startup ideas during the event. Their presentations impressed both peers and professionals alike.
Sara, a third-year engineering student, shared her experience building low-cost water filters for underserved communities. “I feel honored to be here. It’s motivating to see that even student projects are taken seriously on this stage,” she said.
Workshops and interactive panels gave students the chance to ask questions, join discussions, and build real connections with established leaders. The open format encouraged honest conversations about both successes and challenges women face in professional spaces.
Highlighting Social Enterprises Led by Women
Along with science and technology, the forum also focused on social entrepreneurship. Several women-led social enterprises presented their missions and ongoing work. From mental health platforms to apps that support refugees, the ideas shared were both moving and practical.
One standout presentation came from a startup founded by Reem Al Mazrouei, whose team has developed an AI tool that provides emotional support for women suffering from postnatal depression. Her story not only touched the audience but also sparked discussions about the need for mental health innovation.
Reem explained, “Innovation isn’t only about technology. It’s about solving problems that truly matter to people’s lives.”
Building a Supportive Ecosystem
The forum made it clear that innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. It requires a supportive ecosystem of mentors, investors, educators, and policymakers. Several panel discussions explored how institutions and governments can better support female-led innovation.
Industry leaders spoke about the importance of mentorship and funding access for women entrepreneurs. They also stressed the value of flexible policies that encourage work-life balance and long-term career growth for women in STEM.
Fatima Al Kaabi, one of the youngest Emirati inventors, urged the audience to keep pushing boundaries. “Being a woman in tech should never feel like an exception. It should be the norm,” she said confidently.
Celebrating Culture and Identity
In addition to talks and panels, the forum also featured cultural performances and art installations by women creators. These moments celebrated the diverse backgrounds and identities of the women involved.
A spoken-word performance by a young poet from Sudan left many in the room emotional, as she spoke about resilience, womanhood, and hope. Artworks by women artists were displayed in the lobby, adding a personal and creative layer to the tech-driven discussions happening inside the auditorium.
Moving Forward with Purpose
As the event came to an end, the atmosphere remained full of hope and determination. Many attendees said the forum was not only inspiring but also actionable. They left with new ideas, useful contacts, and a renewed sense of purpose.
The organizers shared plans to make the Women’s Innovation Forum an annual event, expanding its reach and impact each year. There are also talks about launching a mentorship program that connects experienced leaders with young innovators across the UAE and beyond.
One student summed it up best: “This was more than just a conference. It felt like a movement.”
A Brighter Future for Women Innovators
The Women’s Innovation Forum at NYU Abu Dhabi proved that when women come together with ideas, purpose, and courage, remarkable things happen. It wasn’t just about celebrating success stories—it was about planting seeds for the next wave of innovation, led by bold and brilliant women from all walks of life.
This forum was a clear reminder that the future of science, technology, and social impact is not only bright—it’s female, and it’s already here.
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