Distributed by the www.ArabAmericanNewsWire.com
Press Release
Date: September 25, 2011
Contact: Victor Shiblie
1-301-502-8555
Al Mubadarah: Arab EmpowermentInitiative introduces mentoring program for women in Palestine.
WASHINGTON DC— Social media uses are evolving beyondFacebook and Twitter, as human ingenuity continues to define this dynamicdigital stage.
Al Mubadarah: Arab Empowerment Initiative, with partnerorganizations, is presenting one vision for social media’s next phase through connectingpeople and building more prosperous communities.
The organization is recruiting entrepreneurs with at leastfive years of business development experience for the Cherie Blair Foundation Mentoring Women in Business Program. Participants will engage entirely through theInternet using Google technology tools that enable real time connection andcollaboration.
By recruiting established successful business leadersworldwide, the mentoring program will support Al Mubadarah’s mission ofdeveloping stronger ties between the global Arab Diaspora and the ArabWorld. Al Mubadarah develops itsprograming around the needs and aspirations articulated by Arabs in the MiddleEast and the Diaspora.
Entrepreneurs recruited by Al Mubadarah for the Cherie BlairFoundation Mentoring Women in BusinessProgram will connect with entrepreneurial women in the West Bank who seektechnical assistance and moral support for launching their business plans. AlMubadarah will pair mentor and mentee with the hope and goal that a synergywill form between the two since they will meet online regularly, develop trust,network and discuss business concepts.
Candidates from diverse backgrounds with ethnic and culturalties to the Middle East are especially encouraged to apply to serve as mentorsfor the Palestinian women. Exchanges between participants in such a programcreate the opportunity for Arabs to learn from, and about, one another whileengaging though shared cultural references and traditions.
“The role of social media is hard to ignore, but it is theconnections with people and the sharing of knowledge in a mutually beneficialway, that we’re promoting here,” said Al Mubadarah President and CEO, HazamiBarmada.
As events in the Middle East have unfolded over this pastyear, Barmada says she has already observed that there is a strong interestamong those from the Arab Diaspora who have wanted to give back to the region butwere unsure where to start.
“Palestine is in theminds and hearts of many Arab people. This is linking global Arab professionals back to the Arab world,” Barmada said. “This givespeople a tangible way of helping Palestinian people: by participating in systematic community and professional developmentwhile being remote.”
As the program gains speed, Al Mubadarah will recruit AlMubadarah Fellows for women mentees throughout the region. Mentors and menteeswill connect using online forums and other communication modes, including emailand chat. Mentors bring knowledge and expertise that could help women menteesbetter understand steps they can take to strengthen and improve theirbusinesses. Mentors and mentees must agree to meet for at least one hour everytwo weeks over the course of 12 months.
Al Mubadarah Advisory Board Member, Arab League Ambassadorto the United States Dr. Hussein Hassouna, applauded the initiative forcreating stronger linkages between Arabs worldwide and those in the Arab World.
“This is a great initiative that helps building bridgesbetween people in the Arab World and Arabs abroad,” Hassouna said. “It allows them to share their experiences,learn from each other and work together.”
As more Al-Mubadarah fellows join the team, Al Mubadarahintends to burnish its credentials as a global exchange platform forArabs. Using Internet technologies withinformation sharing capabilities, is just one way Hassouna said that AlMubadarah will continue to take steps in examining, and addressing the loss oftalent and expertise from the Middle East due to immigration.
"I hope that in the days ahead, Al Mubadarah willcontinue enlarging its membership and gain support. It is only through dedicated and collectiveefforts that this initiative can achieve valuable tangible results."
For more information visit arabempowerment.org.
