The Sharjah Business Women Council, SBWC, has launched its 'Yakah' free membership scheme, offering members an exclusive package of benefits and privileges to suit their businesses and commercial interests.

Launched under the 'La’ali' Programme of SBWC, the 'Yakah' Business and Benefits Scheme aims to facilitate full integration of members into the UAE’s overall economy by providing them with all the services they need.

The launch of the 'Yakah' Business and Benefits Scheme comes in line with the SBWC's ongoing efforts to support and empower all its members in various business and professional areas.

Umnia Akram, Membership and Services Senior Associate at Sharjah Business Women Council, said, "We are pleased with launching the free 'Yakah' membership scheme, which is designed to enhance SBWC’s vision to provide a conducive work environment that motivates and inspires business and professional women to create, as well as to provide everything that would contribute to empowering women economically and professionally."

All SBWC membership categories including business, professional and working women, university students and graduates, as well as working women with special needs, can apply to get 'Yakah' and have access to a host of valuable benefits and advantages it offers."

Akram added, "This scheme stems from our belief in the significant benefits that can be achieved by strengthening women's economic role and increasing their participation in the job market and the diversity of her business areas. We seek, through the launch of the Yakah membership, to encourage SBWC members to expand and develop their businesses, and encourage others to make their way into the world of entrepreneurship, which will have positive effects on women. This will help women improve the living standards of their families, gain more self-confidence and enhance their contribution to the economic development of the UAE."

Once a woman becomes a 'Yakah' member, she will be given a bag containing coupons from 20 outlets and stores managed and owned by businesswomen who are members of SBWC, reflecting the spirit of partnership and cooperation that characterise SBWC members. The bag also contains a booklet of coupons and vouchers by 55 food outlets, 26 beauty and spa centres, 23 educational and service organisations, 9 hotels and leisure destinations and four other stores. The bag also includes a host of gifts offered by Evian, Natura Biss and Magic Planet.

Umnia Akram said that the 'Yakah' membership offers its holders access to all monthly activities and events organised by SBWC. The membership also offers an integrated support network and invaluable opportunities to connect with VIP’s and prominent community figures. Holders of 'Yakah' membership can also get rewards in recognition of their outstanding achievements. They can freely make use of the regular specialised workshops and training by business industry experts on a range of topics, such as leadership, securing financing, leveraging technology, and creating a positive work environment among others. Members can also attend business seminars presented by influential business women in the UAE, and participate in local and international workshops on entrepreneurship.

Umnia Akram said that the package of special offers and gifts suit the tastes of all SBWC members of various categories. This will allow women to save over AED 35,000 worth of discounts and special offers, she said, calling on all ambitious women to make use of this booklet.

'Yakah' members can also create an account through the council’s website to connect with other members and expand their business network, as well as get the latest updates on SBWC’s news, upcoming local and international conferences and events related to entrepreneurship.

In parallel with the launch of 'Yakah' membership, SBWC launched a promotional campaign on social networking sites under the hashtag, #FacesOfSharjah. Businesswoman Raghda Taryam was chosen to be the first role model for ambitious women in recognition of her widely known business activities. Raghda is a member of SBWC, board member of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, board member of Sharjah Expo Centre and member of the Emirates Businesswomen Council.

Taryam is blessed with great creative talents in design, and has launched three fashion brands over the past seven years, Kanzi, Asateer and Raghda Taryam. She has become an internationally acclaimed designer and her creative designs are displayed at places such as Harrods and Selfridges in London and Saks Fifth Avenue in Dubai and Bahrain.

Established in 2002, the Sharjah Business Women Council aims to create and enhance the work environment for women, as well as to train and prepare women to enter into private economic activities and enhance their participation in social and economic development.

To achieve its goals, SBWC regularly organises a variety of programmes, initiatives and activities, including conferences, seminars, workshops, studies and research, in addition to forging partnerships with government and private bodies and foundations in the UAE and beyond.