World's first female firefighter among key speakers at Dubai forum

The world's first female firefighter will be among the several inspiring figures who will speak at the Global Women's Forum Dubai (GWFD) on February 16-17. Brenda Berkman from the US pioneered a federal sex discrimination lawsuit that opened the Fire Department of the City of New York to women firefighters. When she won the lawsuit in 1982, she and 40 other women became firefighters.

Captain Sheikha Mozah bint Marwan Al Maktoum, the UAE's first female pilot, is another key speaker at the event.

Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and President of the Dubai Women Establishment (DWE), highlighted the significance of the event's theme - 'The Power of Influence'. Furthering women's positive impact and influence is essential to the overall elevation of societies and development of nations at large, she said.

Mona Al Marri, chairperson of the board and managing director of the DWE, said: "Discussions at the event will inspire dialogues on the role of women across four main areas: Government, economy, society and future."

Notable thought leaders confirmed to speak at the event include Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund; David Malpass, President of the World Bank Group; and Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.

Lamia Abdulaziz Khan, CEO of the GWFD, said: "Delegates from 87 countries will attend over 60 workshops and sessions to be addressed by over 100 inspirational speakers and experts. These partnerships will spearhead positive dialogue on best practices related to global gender-friendly policies. Alongside the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi), DWE is also co-organising the We-Fi MENA Regional Summit - a side-line event that will host entrepreneurs from the region's emerging economies."