She is arab

A Mission-Oriented Network

She is Arab is a purpose-driven network of female and male Arab leaders that forge connections for learning, growth, and systemic change in order to drive women’s workforce participation rates and advancements to leadership positions.

We are an ecosystem enabler: A platform that aims to strengthen and connect the ecosystem.

We foster Arab female economic inclusion through research, community building, partnerships, professional development, raising awareness, and amplifying voices.

Why We Need She Is Arab

Women in the Arab World are significantly underrepresented in the workforce and leadership positions.

LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

Females in leadership positions are lowest in the MENA region at 4.5% compared to a global average of 15.1%.

(Statista: 2020)

UNDERUTILIZATION

2 trillion dollars could be added to the MENA regional economy if women’s participation rates match those of men.

(PWC: 2022)

FEMALE PARTICIPATION RATE

The Arab region has the world’s lowest female labor force; 19%, compared to 48% global average.

(ILO: 2022)

Our Vision

The growth and prosperity of our region depends on women’s economic inclusion and their increased representation in leadership.

We believe that if leaders have access to research, data, and toolkits on how to support Arab women to participate in the economy and advance in their careers, then we can create momentum for collective actions to create systemic change, which will enable Arab women’s economic participation and contribution to the region’s growth.

Our Building Blocks

COLLECTIVE ADVOCACY

Uniting our network and the public around a common agenda: to advocate for the
economic inclusion of women.

COMMUNITY BUILDING

Working together to consistently aggregate opportunities for women’s growth and
development.

KNOWLEDGE & AWARENESS

Enriching the narrative of Arab women’s economic participation and spreading much
needed awareness through research and evidence-based insights.

Our Services

We are bringing our building blocks to life through our impact-driven service offerings.
Our services offer organizations, corporates, and governments support in achieving
their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion goals (DEI), and offer individuals curated
professional development opportunities and social experiences.

Research: Bespoke in-house and commissioned research in partnership with organizations.

Advisory: Advisory services, including toolkits and customized programs across
sectors and industries.

Events: Themed forums and content programming for public and in-house corporate
diversity, equity, and inclusion events.

Our clients & Collaborations

Join Us On This Journey

We are deploying an impactful movement, and you are the catalysts for change.

We have an action-driven agenda to boost women’s opportunities and raise awareness on women’s economic inequalities through forums, research, network-building, programs, and events.

This will be continuously supported by advocacy and campaigns
leveraged through strategic partnerships.

Together We Can Change The Status-Quo

If you are a professional man or woman interested in advancing women’s representation, then you’re in the right place!

Sign up below to join a group of like-minded change-makers, attend exclusive events, enjoy curated growth opportunities, and stay updated on developments in this field.

Together We Can Change The Status-Quo

Meet Our Founder

Samar Alshorafa is the Founding CEO of She is Arab, a social business with a vision to help increase Arab women’s participation in the workforce and in leadership through economic autonomy in the region and beyond.

Prior to that, Samar spent over 15 years working in the field of international development and consulting in MENA with organizations such as IFC – World Bank Group, European Commission’s Industrial Modernization Program for Egypt, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation and Education for Employment.

An advocate for women’s economic inclusion, Samar was recognized as one of ’50 global women leaders driving a business with social impact’ by being awarded the prestigious ‘Vital Voices Grow Fellowship 2021.’ She was also recognized as one of ’50 Inspiring Female Business Leaders 2022′ and on the ‘Arab Power List 2021’ among 100 business leaders who have had a significant impact on life in MENA, both by Arabian Business. She is a member of Young Arab Leaders, is a General Assembly member of Taawon NGO and is International Ambassador to the GCC for London School of Economics Generate, the school’s home for entrepreneurship program with a focus on socially-driven ventures.

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Get In Touch

Reach out to learn more about our community and our services.