Following the success of Murdoch University, Dubai’s debut Lunchbox event in February 2012, the Australian University is back this year with the topic of “Breaking the Glass Ceiling”. The Women’s Lunchbox became Murdoch’s signature event highlighting the scope of its research and student led initiatives.

Murdoch University, Dubai has launched this year’s Lunchbox, in association with Khaleej Times, with long term sponsorship partners: Aldo, Emirates NBD and Dubai Business Women’s Council. The event has also been supported by Dubai International Academic City, Arabian Business and DLA Piper.

The Lunchbox will play host to five industry specialists who have led us to question the myth surrounding the glass ceiling. This year, TV Presenter and Producer Katie Fielder will be putting the tough questions to Hala Kazim, founder of Journey Through Time; Jayshree Gupta, Partner at DLA Piper ME; Angela Maglieri, Regional Director of Marketing at Al Tamimi Group; Leigh Ann Khosla, Director of Business Development, Education Cluster - TECOM Investments; and Jennifer Hardie, CEO of Pinnacle PR. The discussion will revolve around what sets these women apart and how they have overcome the challenges to compete with their male counterparts or whether these challenges even exist in the modern business world? The forum will play host to 200 women from various industries with a large focus on the role education plays in preparing women with the key characteristics and skills they need to break through the glass ceiling.

The panellists will be placed under the spotlight to discuss the different levels at which professional challenges are encountered. In light of the UAE’s new legislation that makes it mandatory to have female representation on the board, the Lunchbox will find out if women are indeed doing their part to succeed in these positions.

Murdoch University, Dubai’s Pro-Vice Chancellor said, “The Women’s Lunchbox is a unique Murdoch initiative to encourage and increase the involvement of women in senior, decision-making roles in the UAE and the Region. The Lunchbox addresses topics which highlight the positive shift in female aspirations towards leadership in both the public and private sector. Women who set their career sights on the very top management positions are actively preparing themselves for enhanced future leadership roles by educating themselves. These changing attitudes stress the importance of high quality local and international education in the UAE. As the UAE continues to assume an increasingly important role in global forums, and the local economy grows, I see the glass ceiling as increasingly fragile, and on behalf of Murdoch University in Dubai I wish all such aspirants to influence success in their quest.”

The University will also use this year’s platform to launch the Murdoch Lunchbox Association, a student led body to interact, maintain and develop relationships with industry specialists and all Lunchbox attendees. Murdoch’s Master of Business Administration and Master’s in Human Resource Management Programs are largely research focused and encourage hands- on learning. The Association will be working closely with Lunchbox delegates over the academic year to provide opportunities, particularly for female students to interact and apply their learning’s in real life professional scenarios. Furthermore, Murdoch University, Dubai provides the perfect platform for recruiters to speak to graduating students during specialised guest lectures and interactive Master Class Sessions.

The Lunchbox’s prominent keynote speaker is a high profile UAE national that crashed through the barriers and tradition long before it became widely accepted for women to work alongside men. The University will not be revealing the identity of this ambitious female figure until a later date.

Murdoch University, Dubai has an outstanding reputation as an Australian institution that, within an engaging and caring environment, provides students with a high quality education and recognised academic standing. Currently specialising in Media, Communication, Business and IT undergraduate courses, Murdoch is the ideal place to take the next step on the path of lifelong learning.  Murdoch also offers Masters in Business Administration, Human Resource Management and Education. In order to prepare students from non-academic backgrounds, the Murdoch Dubai Foundation Program has been designed to prepare students, with as little as 10^th grade completion, for direct entry into undergraduate courses.

The Murdoch Business School combines the classroom experience with real life hands on learning allowing you to immediately apply your findings in your organisation. Our internationally accredited faculty come from various academic backgrounds and a wealth of experience and knowledge to ensure that you benefit from the best. With flexible study options on weekends and evenings, our students find the perfect solution to balance their lifestyle around study and work. Murdoch University, Dubai understands that studying for an MBA is closely related to your career ambitions and together we intend to help you achieve them. Our MBA graduates have a 100% employment rate with multi-national organisation including Emirates, BP, Emirates NBD and more.

Media Contact:

Ms. Farhanah Raza

Marketing & PR Specialist

Murdoch University in Dubai

T: +971 4 435 5700+971 4 435 5700

www.murdochdubai.ac.ae