Newly Funded MBA Initiative Paves the Way for Women in Challenging Circumstances to Become Female Leaders of the Future

LONDON December 3, 2020 /3BL Media/ - The UK chapter of Omniwomen+Allies, Omnicom’s global initiative committed to increasing the number, seniority and influence of women in its leadership roles, today confirms details of its sponsored MBA programme, Future3, with long-standing partner, Theirworld, the global charity committed to ending the global education crisis, and Edinburgh Business School, the graduate school of business of Heriot-Watt University.

Initiated at the beginning of this academic term, and with particular resonance following the tragic explosion in Beirut in August, Future3; 3 women, 3 years, 3 future leaders is set to support the costs associated with helping three women in Lebanon, who have faced unimaginable challenges, by sponsoring them through a two year flagship MBA course.   A key aim of the programme is to support women into higher earning leadership positions and provide mentors to serve as inspiration for other future female leaders in the region.

Carolyn Stebbings, co-chair of Omniwomen UK + Allies, comments: “Women supporting and enabling women is an important part of Omniwomen’s philosophy. We have a breadth of fantastic activities for Omniwomen UK + Allies to help bring women into leadership positions. We realised how lucky we are to have this and how, as part of our partnership with Theirworld, we could also help other women. We decided to put action into words and to ensure funds raised from this year’s Omniwomen UK + Allies Annual Summit, to support women in challenging circumstances, reach even higher potential.  We are looking forward to regular updates from the students and following their inspirational progress.”

Some of the students taking part in the MBA program include Mira, a 36-year-old Occupational Therapist from Lebanon, and Nehad, 31, a Palestinian refugee living in Lebanon and NGO programme director. Mira and Nehad are part of a diverse group of entrepreneurial individuals receiving academic support and tools to access remote online learning platforms and course materials.

Mira works with autistic children, her skills are specialist and have a long-standing positive impact on those she helps and their families. Being offered the chance to learn about business, finance and marketing is a means for her to grow her business in challenging times and make an even more meaningful difference to society.

For Nehad, making a difference in her community and serving as an inspiration to other refugees drives her ambition. The programme with Theirworld and Edinburgh Business School, part of Heriot-Watt University, gives her the means to further the work of the NGO she works for and to be a leader in her field:  "I want to be an example for my five younger sisters and show them that I am studying, I am realising my dreams and I am working. I wish to make an impactful [social] change in the Palestinian community and in the communities in the refugee camps - to be an inspiration for them and to every girl who feels she cannot overcome obstacles or realise her dreams. If the scholarship hadn’t been granted, I wouldn’t have had the means to continue my masters and fulfil my ambitions. We need to always take advantage of every opportunity that comes our way.” 

With recent UN estimates highlighting that by 2030, there could be 121 young women (aged 25-34) worldwide living in extreme poverty for every 100 men^[1], the call to support women and break down barriers to them fulfilling their potential is urgent

Justin van Fleet, President of Theirworld, comments: “Lebanon and the region is at a crossroads. In the aftermath of the terrible explosion and with challenges in the region, this cohort of MBA students will ultimately help pave the way for a more positive future. The support from Omnicom UK + Allies helps Theirworld's programme with Heriot-Watt University bring masters level education to aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs in the region. This collaboration provides more than just a qualification, it supports women and men with skills to lead the way in their fields to build a better future.”

The MBA requires students to complete nine courses over a minimum period of two years. Seven core courses, all available in Arabic, include accounting, economics, finance, marketing, organisational behaviour, project management and strategic planning. Students can also select from two elective courses, from: Competitive Strategy (Arabic), Negotiation (Arabic) or Entrepreneurship & Creativity (English only) or Entrepreneurial Venturing Equipment.

-     ENDS    -

For more information please follow:

Omniwomen UK + Allies on Twitter and Instagram @omniwomenuk and go to omniwomenuk.com.

Theirworld on Twitter @Theirworld and Instagram @theirworldorg and go to theirworld.org.

For media enquiries, please email:

Natalie.greig@porternovelli.co.uk

About Omniwomen UK + Allies

Omniwomen UK + Allies is a global Omnicom initiative launched in 2014, committed to inspiring female leaders of the future and helping to increase the number, seniority and influence of women in Omnicom’s leadership roles. 

Omniwomen UK + Allies’ Leadership Summit, held on or around International Women’s Day each year, provides a forum where Omnicom’s future female leaders can find inspiration and mentorship from those who are already in positions of leadership.

About Omnicom

Omnicom Group Inc. (www.omnicomgroup.com) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations, and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

About Theirworld

Theirworld is a global children's charity committed to ending the global education crisis. The Chair is Sarah Brown and the charity's very first project, the Jennifer Brown Research Laboratory at the University of Edinburgh, continues to this day. 

In 2012, Theirworld became international in its outlook and scope, seeking to reach the most marginalised children and youth and give them the best start in life, a safe place to learn and the skills they need for the future of work. 

^[1]https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2020/9/feature-covid-19-economic-impacts-on-women