DBWC and Canon empower women in UAE with advanced visual storytelling skills in 60 days
Canon, a global leader in imaging solutions, has successfully concluded its "Women Who Empower" initiative, in collaboration with the Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC). This two-month program aimed at empowering women in the print and imaging sectors culminated in a celebratory event at Dubai Chamber. The event was attended by participants, industry leaders, and senior executives from both DBWC and Canon.
The program featured three comprehensive modules—printing, photography, and content creation—designed to equip the 25 participants with valuable skills and knowledge. Notable industry experts led each module: award-winning Emirati film director and producer Nahla Al Fahad oversaw the content creation curriculum; renowned sports, action, and commercial photographer Jorge Ferrari, a Canon Ambassador, led the photography curriculum; and Ayman Ali, Marketing Director, B2B at Canon Middle East, conducted the printing module.
Canon’s initiative aligns with its corporate philosophy ‘Kyosei,’ which means living and working together for the common good, and reflects the company's commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
Nadine Halabi, Business Development Manager at DBWC, praised the collaboration: "We are thrilled with the success achieved through our partnership with Canon. This initiative demonstrates the power of partnership in empowering women. Together, we have paved the way for greater opportunities and inclusivity in the print and imaging sectors."
Venkatasubramanian (Subbu) Hariharan, Managing Director of Canon Middle East & Turkey, added, "Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of our values at Canon. We believe in creating an environment where everyone can thrive. Collaborating with the Dubai Business Women Council reinforces our commitment to shaping a more inclusive and innovative future in the imaging industry."
The event featured an impressive portfolio exhibition showcasing the participants' remarkable achievements and newly acquired skills. The exhibition included stunning photographs capturing the essence of Dubai, creative video content, and innovative print designs, reflecting the diverse talents of the participants.
Two standout participants, Belinda Freeman and Grace Karim, received special recognition for their exceptional dedication, creativity, and progress. Belinda Freeman expressed her gratitude, sharing: “I've experienced a profound transformation. Canon's dedication to 'Women Who Empower' has been exceptional. I delved into photography, videography, and printing, seizing the chance to enhance my skills and expand my business. With Canon's support, I developed a personalized cookbook project, now ready for launch on queen.ae. Collaborating with Canon's social media team expanded our reach and impact. The quality of Canon technology ensures my customers receive the best. I'm inspired to create new products for my collection. My heartfelt thanks go out to Canon and DBWC for this life-changing opportunity.”
Grace Karim also shared her positive experience: "The 'Women Who Empower' initiative has opened doors I never knew existed. The training has inspired me to use my voice and creativity to drive positive societal change, make new likeminded friends and see possibilities in moving my business to a new milestone."
The comprehensive curriculum covered the fundamentals of print, photography, and content creation. The printing module, hosted at Artplus, included photo printing workflows, emerging trends, and market insights, with an exclusive demonstration of various print solutions and media. The content creation workshop, held at Al Fahad's Beyond Studios, provided insights into video content creation, empowering women to develop compelling narratives and drive impactful stories. The photography module, hosted at Canon Middle East's Dubai office, covered technical aspects from pre- to post-production, enhancing participants' ability to capture high-quality images.
The "Women Who Empower" campaign marks a significant milestone in empowering women in the printing and imaging sectors. As Canon continues to champion diversity and inclusion, initiatives like this demonstrate the power of partnerships in driving positive change. With plans for future collaborations and programs, Canon remains committed to empowering individuals and communities through innovation and creativity.
Canon, with more than 63% of women occupying leadership roles in its Middle East and Africa HQ, has been championing empowerment initiatives for many years, as demonstrated by its various diversity and inclusivity programs.
