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“Meem Basis’s imaginative and prescient is a world the place all girls and ladies can obtain their ambitions.” With simply this one line, Muna Al Gurg encapsulates the essence of her latest enterprise, and given all the accomplishments that this Emirati businesswoman and philanthropist has had in her profession up to now, one can’t assist however be excited in regards to the affect that Meem Basis -an entity in search of to create sustainable social change within the lives of ladies and ladies within the MENA region- can probably have.
Nonetheless, for these of you who won’t be as aware of Al Gurg and her exploits, an introduction is so as. Al Gurg is probably 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 example, 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 training, entrepreneurship, and youth growth).
Al Gurg has additionally been a passionate proponent of ladies within the Arab world for a few years now- considered one of her legacies is the Muna Al Gurg Scholarship that she rolled out in 2015 on the London Enterprise College within the UK, which has since supplied over AED1.5 million in monetary help, enabling aspiring girls from the Center East to pursue their academic targets, and speed up their careers. Meem Basis is thus one more initiative that Al Gurg is pursuing to make a significant affect within the lives of ladies 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 method is to seek out progressive entrepreneurial options to gender inequality, and be clear about what works and what does not.”
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Meem Basis’s method to create financial alternatives for ladies, versus simply financial assist, is consistent with the necessity of the hour. A 2021 report by UNICEF had famous that girls within the Center East and Africa face gender hole points presently because of world and regional shifts reminiscent of “political and financial upheaval, battle, occupation, and the COVID-19 pandemic.”
It is towards this backdrop that Meem Basis thus goals to create pathways for ladies and ladies to realize financial empowerment, whereas additionally guaranteeing they obtain secure 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 training, to the combination of refugees,” Al Gurg says. “I’ve spent a whole lot of time occupied with my very own values, my lived experiences, and the longer-term affect I hope to have on this planet. This has knowledgeable the creation of my basis. The muse is targeted on creating extra alternatives for ladies and ladies – creating extra company, voice, and selection. We have had an overwhelmingly constructive response and assist on the launch of the muse, and we’re trying ahead to creating sustainable social change within the lives of all girls and ladies within the MENA area.”
Eureka! Muna Al Gurg on methods to make an thought an awesome one
Progress via iteration “I feel it is necessary to spend time understanding what issues exist and why. After which provide you with concepts to handle them. Analysis what’s failed and what does not work in your context, market, group or particular setting. Then develop an thought, check 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 talk about subjects unrelated to the corporate which might outcome within the subsequent large thought! Moreover making a small R&D price range that gives funding to progressive options will drive a collaborative tradition inside the group.”
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