Women for Business
From 28th January until 2nd February 2018, 14 women chosen by the CSR division of the Emirati AL AHLI HOLDING GROUP will participate in 5 days of discussion and meetings with Research Lecturers from La Rochelle Education Group and French female entrepreneurs around the themes of social entrepreneurship and leadership. This conference is part of the Group's internationalisation strategy and reflects its desire to position itself as a major player in the development of intercultural dialogue on issues relating to entrepreneurship and CSR in companies operating internationally. ‘Women for Business’ marks the beginning of a long-term partnership with the United Arab Emirates as well as laying the foundations for future similar exchanges with other organisations and countries.
A cross-gender and multicultural event centred around social entrepreneurship
La Rochelle Education Group was chosen by the United Arab Emirates and the CSR division of the Al Ahli Holding Group to host a delegation of ten Emirati women as part of the ‘Women for Business’ programme.
Coming from a variety of backgrounds, from students carrying out women-oriented studies to managers within Chambers of Commerce or Ministries, these 14 women share a common goal… to offer their skills and competencies to ensure a better society for women.
Over 5 days, Research Lecturers from La Rochelle Education Group and female directors of French companies will take part in the various meetings and seminars. The agenda includes training courses on how to develop leadership skills, how to identify social business opportunities, how to understand the concept of CSR, and finally how to develop and encourage entrepreneurial skills. By the end of the week, each participant will have to design and present a new business project with a strong social impact for the benefit of women and the youth. The three best projects will receive the necessary guidance and support over the following two months as well as a $ 20,000 prize from the Al Ahli Holding Group.
The start of a long-term collaboration between the United Arab Emirates and La Rochelle Education Group
With no financial exchange between the two organisations, this conference is a perfect illustration of La Rochelle Education Group’s ambition to further develop its international partnerships, while demonstrating its desire to be at the service of a better society. This educational and multicultural programme aims to promote women's economic and social autonomy, a cause at the heart of the conference. The programme was positively welcomed by the French Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Mr. Ludovic Pouille, for its commitment and its contribution to the communication and dialogue between the two countries.
With a crucial role in shaping the future, higher education institutions have an important part to play in the deliberation process and the development of a better society and must be fully prepared to educate students to become responsible and humanist managers. La Rochelle Education Group has indeed acquired a wealth of expertise in this subject, particularly within its Institute for Sustainability through Innovation (IRSI). Through teaching, research and collaboration with companies, the Institute aims to contribute to research development in management science on the theme of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development, to advance corporate social responsibility through supporting and guiding organisations, educating students and working to further develop the frames of reference for social responsibility. The work of the ‘Corporate Social Responsibility and ISO 26000 Chair’ is aimed specifically at implementing corporate social responsibility initiatives within companies. La Rochelle Education Group intends to share and disseminate this expertise through conferences and events such as Women for Business.
The United Arab Emirates are currently looking to create closer links with the West, and this event, with the support of La Rochelle Education Group, reflects their desire to ensure decision-making positions are accessible to women. This event also marks the beginning of a more sustainable collaboration, particularly academic, which will, for example, enable students from the Group's schools to carry out internships within the many business activities of the Emirati Al Ahli Holding Group.
About Al Ahli Holding Group (AAHG)
Al Ahli Holding Group is based in the United Arab Emirates. It was founded forty years ago. Today the Al Ahli Holding Group brings together some 27 companies operating across various business sectors (real estate construction, industry, distribution, media and leisure, sport and health). CSR Al Ahli was founded in 2008 with the aim of developing the necessary skills and broadening the horizons and visibility of Arab youth around the world. CSR Al Ahli helps young people to develop their entrepreneurial spirit as well as organising many projects on the theme of social entrepreneurship.
