The second edition of The Future Women Leaders Forum returns

The Future Women Leaders Forum 2025 is set to return in March, building on the success of its inaugural event. This year, the forum will continue its mission to drive transformative change and advance the role of women in leadership across the region and beyond.

Under the theme “Accelerating the Push for Equality”, the event will delve into the ways in which women are reshaping industries, pushing for progress, and embedding inclusivity and sustainability into leadership practices.

The UAE stands as a shining example in the region for gender equality, with women's economic inclusion surpassing the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) average. The nation is ranked the best in the Arab world and 11th globally in the UN Development Program’s 2022 Human Development Report on the Gender Inequality Index. Furthermore, for the second consecutive year, the UAE was ranked first in both the World Bank’s 2022 Women, Business, and the Law report and the World Economic Forum’s 2022 Gender Gap Report.

“The Future Women Leaders Forum 2025 is not just a gathering; it is a powerful catalyst for change, bringing together diverse voices to shape a future where women lead with confidence, influence, and purpose. Together, we are creating a world where women’s leadership is celebrated and their potential is limitless,” says Tina Bhakthavalsalan, Head of Commercial Partnerships & Events.

The Future Women Leaders Forum 2025, held in conjunction with International Women's Day on March 8, underscores the importance of this gathering and highlights the ongoing global efforts to empower women.

“The Future Women Leaders Forum 2025 is a dynamic platform designed to foster knowledge sharing, mentorship, and collaboration. Through the efforts of BeingShe, we are connecting aspiring women leaders with industry trailblazers, empowering them with insights and opportunities for both personal and professional growth. Together, we are shaping a future where women thrive as innovators, changemakers, and pioneers,” says Aparna Bajpai, Founder of BeingShe.

This year’s Future Women Leaders Forum will bring together some of the most influential women leaders across diverse fields — business, technology, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and beyond. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear from these leaders, gain insights into their leadership strategies, and learn about the bold steps they have taken to break barriers, drive innovation, and make an impact on a global scale.

Last year’s forum brought together a distinguished group of speakers, including Katy Holmes, CEO of the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai, Dr. Jean Shahdadpuri, Managing Director of Nikai Group of Companies, Ghada Sawalmah, CEO of Gargash Hospital, and Natasha Litvinov, Managing Partner of Orchestra Media. Other notable speakers included Akanksha Goel, Founder of Unlock Studio, Dr. Parul Thakur, Co-Founder of Athena Dermatology Clinic, Dr. Nairouz Bader, CEO of Envision Partnership, Muna Al Ghurair, Group Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications at Mashreq, and Shamsa Al Falasi, CEO, UAE Onshore, Citi Bank.

In total, the event featured over 20 influential speakers from diverse industries such as business, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and technology. These leaders offered unique perspectives on empowerment, navigating the boardroom, and overcoming challenges in their respective fields.

Powered by Gulf News and BeingShe, the forum will offer an invaluable platform for both established and aspiring leaders to connect, learn, and grow. Whether you’re an industry veteran or an emerging talent, this event is designed to inspire, empower, and equip you with the tools necessary to lead with purpose, authenticity, and vision.