Thesis - ALHOSN University

Alhosn EventsALHOSN University establishesSociety of Women in EngineeringOn Tuesday, June 16, 2009 theSociety of Women in Engineering(SOWIE) was established followingthe signing of the organisation’sbylaws during a special ceremony.SOWIE, founded by active andhighly skilled women engineersfrom ALHOSN University and otherinstitutions, attests the university'scommitment to enhance the role ofwomen in all engineering and alliedfields.SOWIE's members consist ofwomen engineers, scientists andtechnologists in the UAE and the restof the region, who will collaborateand share their expertise inorganising various programs thatempower women to prosper andlead in their fields. The foundingofficers of the SOWIE include H.E.Fatima Obaid Al Jaber, President;Dr Reem Sabouni, Vice President;and members Dr Naima Benkari, DrNoha Hassan, Dr Samia Loucif, Eng.Muna Ali Al Dhaheri, Arch. RaniaAkkad, Eng. Alia Awni Mohammadand Ms Amal Aboaziza.Dr Reem Sabouni, AssistantProfessor, ALHOSN University,said, “There has been an excellentresponse to this groundbreakinginitiative and we believe that withthe dynamism and dedication of itsfounding members, SOWIE will playan important role in fully harnessingthe potential of women to beleaders, innovators and role modelsof society”.SOWIE's primary objectives includepromoting the achievements ofwomen engineers and raising publicawareness of their accomplishments;constituting a forum for the exchangeof opinions and experiencesregarding education, researchand employment for women withinterests in engineering; assistingwomen engineers in findingappropriate training and jobopportunities by providing them witha reliable database and networkingavenues; offering programs thatfacilitate young women to pursue acareer in engineering and developtheir technical and communicationskills; and finally, collaborate withother women organisations andengineering societies.The group is now seeking fundsand sponsors for its planned annualawards that will be given to femalestudents pursuing degrees invarious engineering fields. SOWIEwill also organise competitionsand institute awards to raise theprofile and effectiveness of womenin engineering, and will alsoinitiate several outreach activitiesand facilitate social engagementprograms, which include creating adedicated online social networkingplatform.Other projects set to be undertakenby SOWIE include publishing abi-annual newsletter; organisingregular workshops, seminarsand conferences in all fields ofengineering; and establishing astudent chapter for the SOWIEALHOSN University to assist futureengineers in all aspects of theirstudies and career.16