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“Meem Basis’s imaginative and prescient is a world the place all ladies and ladies can obtain their ambitions.” With simply this one line, Muna Al Gurg encapsulates the essence of her latest enterprise, and given the entire accomplishments that this Emirati businesswoman and philanthropist has had in her profession to this point, one can not assist however be excited concerning the affect that Meem Basis -an entity searching for to create sustainable social change within the lives of girls and ladies within the MENA region- can doubtlessly have.
Nevertheless, for these of you who may not be as conversant in Al Gurg and her exploits, an introduction is so as. Al Gurg is maybe finest identified for being the Vice Chairperson and Director of Retail on the UAE-born conglomerate, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, however her pursuits (and attain) go far past her household enterprise. Within the realm of entrepreneurship, as an illustration, she has actively aided the expansion of the area’s startup ecosystem for a few years now, be it as an investor (she was famously the one particular person Emirati shareholder within the Dubai-born Careem earlier than its acquisition in 2019), or an enabler (she is the Chairwoman of Younger Arab Leaders, a regional group that promotes schooling, entrepreneurship, and youth improvement).
Al Gurg has additionally been a passionate proponent of girls within the Arab world for a few years now- one among her legacies is the Muna Al Gurg Scholarship that she rolled out in 2015 on the London Enterprise Faculty within the UK, which has since offered over AED1.5 million in monetary help, enabling aspiring ladies from the Center East to pursue their instructional targets, and speed up their careers. Meem Basis is thus yet one more initiative that Al Gurg is pursuing to make a significant affect within the lives of girls on this area.
Supply: Meem Basis
“Our mission is to bridge the gender hole within the Center East and North Africa by creating extra financial alternative and better entry to healthcare for ladies and ladies,” Al Gurg says. “What’s distinctive is our use of data-driven resolution making, and an emphasis on measuring and sharing outcomes. Somewhat than conventional charity, we’re centered on strategic philanthropy that emphasizes accountability and sustainability. Our strategy is to seek out modern entrepreneurial options to gender inequality, and be clear about what works and what would not.”
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Meem Basis’s strategy to create financial alternatives for ladies, versus simply financial assist, is in step with the necessity of the hour. A 2021 report by UNICEF had famous that ladies within the Center East and Africa face gender hole points at the moment because of world and regional shifts resembling “political and financial upheaval, battle, occupation, and the COVID-19 pandemic.”
It is in opposition to this backdrop that Meem Basis thus goals to create pathways for ladies and ladies to realize financial empowerment, whereas additionally guaranteeing they obtain protected healthcare providers and well being consciousness. And with Al Gurg at its helm, the enterprise appears to be set for achievement, given how she, because of her household and upbringing, has all the time been eager on giving again to society. “From an early age, I have been uncovered to conversations about, and acts of, philanthropy, as my dad and mom supported many charitable causes, starting from healthcare and schooling, to the combination of refugees,” Al Gurg says. “I’ve spent a whole lot of time fascinated with my very own values, my lived experiences, and the longer-term affect I hope to have on the planet. This has knowledgeable the creation of my basis. The inspiration is targeted on creating extra alternatives for ladies and ladies – creating extra company, voice, and selection. We have had an overwhelmingly optimistic response and assist on the launch of the inspiration, and we’re trying ahead to creating sustainable social change within the lives of all ladies and ladies within the MENA area.”
Eureka! Muna Al Gurg on the best way to make an concept an important one
Progress by means of iteration “I believe it is essential to spend time understanding what issues exist and why. After which provide you with concepts to handle them. Analysis what’s failed and what would not work in your context, market, neighborhood or particular setting. Then develop an concept, take a look at it, and repeat.”
Create time for ideation, and funding for experimentation “I consider in fostering dialogue and dialogue in any enterprise and creating an inside think-tank the place staff meet quarterly and focus on subjects unrelated to the corporate which might end result within the subsequent massive concept! Moreover making a small R&D funds that gives funding to modern options will drive a collaborative tradition throughout the neighborhood.”
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