The American Chamber of Commerce Abu Dhabi, AmCham Abu Dhabi, Women in Business Committee has announced a new partnership with Reach Mentoring, the first non-profit organisation dedicated to structured mentoring and leadership development for women professionals in the Middle East.

Women Achieve is an initiative managed and run by the AmCham Abu Dhabi Women in Business Committee to support the advancement of women into positions of higher responsibility and leadership within companies and organisations. It focuses on seven key ideals that direct companies towards acquiring a supportive work environment for the professional advancement of women. The ideals include encouraging women to grow through training, shadowing, coaching, mentorship and internship programmes, considering female candidates for new opportunities and promoting ‘rising stars’ into leadership positions.

To follow through on its mission of empowering female AmCham Abu Dhabi members to be leaders in their fields, the Women in Business Committee decided to open enrollment to the Reach Mentorship Programme to the Women Achieve Ambassadors. The Reach programme offers the only structured mentoring programme for women professionals in the Middle East. Within the programme, professional men and women in senior positions voluntarily commit their time and expertise to supporting the development of women professionals at all levels of their careers. Since 2013, over 200 professional women have been matched with mentors from all industry sectors, to complete the year-long programme. This year, six Ambassadors; three mentors and three mentees, will participate in the 12-month programme.

Farah Foustok, Co-Founder and CEO of Reach Mentoring, said, "We are delighted to welcome AmCham Abu Dhabi as active and committed members of the Reach programme. It is through these essential partnerships that we are able to significantly contribute to the career development and empowerment of women in the working world, for a truly sustainable impact."

Sharief Fahmy, Chairman of AmCham Abu Dhabi highlighted the importance of empowering women in the workplace. "A diverse, dynamic and inclusive workforce spurs innovation and increases productivity. AmCham Abu Dhabi is proud to partner with Reach Mentoring to help our Women Achieve Ambassadors gain leadership skills through structured mentoring and professional support."

Dareen Zoughbi, Chairperson of the AmCham Abu Dhabi Women in Business Committee, said, "The committee has done a phenomenal job in continuously providing the female membership of AmCham Abu Dhabi with ample of opportunities for professional development. Participating in the Reach Mentoring programme is a clear demonstration of our strong commitment to our seven pillars, which includes mentorship."