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Both regions share a number of common interests, yet they also have joint challenges such as youth employability, diversification and job opportunities, creation of jobs in SMEs, etc. Also, young women are becoming more interested in studying and pursuing a career. In fact, about 70% of university students in the Gulf region are female. In Europe numbers are similar, female graduates outnumber male graduates by a ratio of approximately three to two. However, only a small fraction of female graduates make the successful transition from the classroom to the labour market. The discrepancy in numbers shows that adopting measures to facilitate young women’s access to the labour market is important. Yet, what is the reason for this discrepancy and how can women overcome these challenges?

The public discussion is held as a side-event at the Jeddah Economic Forum 2014 and will address the issue of diversity and career opportunities for young women in both “Promoting Career Opportunities for Young Women – a cross-regional dialogue on economic growth”.

Dr Anne Wichels-Schnieber is a medical doctor and currently works as Consultant at Russell Reynolds Associates, a globally leading executive recruiting and assessment firm. Prior to taking up her current position, she worked with McKinsey & Company’s healthcare practice for several years.

Ms Noura Alturki is the Organization Development Manager at Nesma Holding Company Ltd. Prior to that, Noura worked at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where she headed research and development for Al-Sayedah Khadijah Bint Khuwailid Businesswomen Center. She further worked as a consultant with the management consulting firm Monitor Group.