Dubai, UAE – Leading women in business gathered today at the second annual ‘Women’s Lunchbox’ event, hosted by Murdoch University in Dubai, to debate whether a ‘glass ceiling’ really exists or if there has been a tangible shift in attitude towards women in the workplace.

The Women’s Lunchbox 2013 took place at Madinat Jumeirah and played host to a panel of five industry specialists and an audience of 200 women from a cross section of industries. The event has become Murdoch University’s signature event to highlight the scope of its research and student led initiatives.

The event’s panellists were: 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 Jones-Khosla, Director of Business Development, Education Cluster - TECOM Investments; and Jennifer Hardie, CEO of Pinnacle PR.

Raja Easa Al Gurg, Managing Director of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group and President of the Dubai Business Women’s Council was the keynote speakers at the forum Mrs. Raja ranks 5^th in the top 100 most powerful Arab women of 2012. Mrs Raja al Gurg shared her achievements and challenges that she faced along her journey to the top. Her advice to students and aspiring females was to maintain a positive attitude and take responsibility for their future successes.

The three hour discussion questioned the myths surrounding the glass ceiling in a country that has long positioned itself as a hub for women’s empowerment. This year’s chair, TV Presenter and Producer Katie Fielder put the panel under the spotlight to ascertain their views on what sets these women apart from their female peers and how they have overcome the challenges of competing with their male counterparts. In addition, the role of Education was discussed at length, especially in light of new statistics that show Emirati female graduates outnumber their male peers. 70% of Emirati students are female. However, the debate revealed that this figure wasn’t translating into economic participation and opportunity.

The consensus of the group was that a “positive attitude” and “rational thinking” is paramount to success, and education is vital in giving women the right skills to make a mark within their industry.

An advocate of the power of education, Leigh-Ann Jones Khosla, said: “If we believe a glass ceiling exists, then probably will and may well limit professional growth. Success is directly related to what any individual, man or woman, makes of the opportunities and challenges they face and it will be this alone that defines them and their path in life.

Having worked more than 25 years, most recently in the education sector, I understand the role that education can play in preparing women for the workplace and giving them the tools they need to get ahead.”

Hala Kazim, founder of Journey Through Time that provides tailor made life coaching primarily for women said: “Women have faced tremendous changes over the last decade from both a personal and professional perspective. Moving forward can be difficult; challenges can come in different forms and from unexpected quarters. The key to success is creating a stable and sustainable lifestyle that will re-invent and revive areas of our lives where change becomes a positive constant.”

Expressing a similar opinion, Jayshree Gupta, Partner at DLA Piper ME said: “Nothing propels women to leadership roles more than their passion, focus and determination.”

The Women’s Lunchbox event is Murdoch University’s unique initiative catered exclusively for women for learning, business networking, and sharing of ideas. In an endeavour to encourage women to advance in leadership roles by developing key competencies, Murdoch University in Dubai offered an AED 10,000 fee waiver to applicants applying for their postgraduate courses at the event.

Building upon his insight behind the event, Professor Grainger, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Murdoch University in Dubai, said: “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 Women Lunchbox 2013 was held 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.

For more information, visit the Murdoch University website.

-Ends-

Notes to Editors

For further information please contact:

MEDIA – Layla Haroon, Bell Pottinger Middle East: +971 55 636 0425+971 55 636 0425

DIAC – Brendan Vyner, Brand Manager, TECOM Investments Education Cluster: +971 4 360 2960+971 4 360 2960

About Dubai International Academic City

Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) is the world’s only Free Zone dedicated to Higher Education. Established in 2007 as part of TECOM Investments, DIAC aims to develop the region’s talent pool and establish the UAE as a knowledge-based economy.

DIAC is the premier destination for Higher Education in the region, located on a fully-appointed 18 million sq ft. campus with state-of-the-art modern facilities. DIAC currently has 21 of the UAE’s 37 International Branch Campuses from 11 countries.

The DIAC campus is host to nearly 20,000 students from 137 nationalities. DIAC students also have access to over 400 Higher Education programmes.

DIAC Phase III achieved a “Green” status and was awarded Silver LEED certification. DIAC provides an established educational environment for academic institutions and caters to students from around the world.

DIAC is also ranked top 10 in the Middle East under “Best Transportation” category and top 25 in the Middle East under “Best Overall” category according to 2011 Financial Times Rankings.