Nousheen Mukhtar Interview
Nousheen Mukhtar is a global advocate for women’s empowerment, dedicated to breaking barriers and creating inclusive leadership opportunities. From launching international mentorship programs to facilitating cross-border collaborations, her mission is to equip women with the tools, networks, and confidence needed to thrive in business and leadership. Through initiatives like the Impact Leadership Program and Global Women Leadership Conferences, she fosters growth, inclusivity, and economic empowerment for women across the globe.
Turning Challenges into Change
We started the interview by asking, “What inspired you to focus on empowering women, and how has your journey shaped your mission in this space?”
Nousheen Mukhtar replied, “My journey toward women empowerment is deeply rooted in my belief that true potential knows no boundaries. While the UAE offers numerous opportunities for women, I recognized that many still face challenges in realizing their ambitions due to societal expectations, financial limitations, and lack of access to the right networks.
My inspiration stems from a vision of global inclusivity—I believes that empowering women should not be confined to one region but should be a movement that transcends borders. By making my initiative internationally active, I ensure that women from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and economic conditions can benefit from mentorship, leadership training, and financial guidance.
Through platforms like the Impact Leadership Program, I have created a space where women can gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive in business and leadership. My Global Women Leadership Conferences bring together thought leaders and change-makers to discuss real-world solutions for gender equality.
My decision to expand internationally is driven by a commitment to breaking barriers—whether they are cultural, financial, or educational. I believe that once women are made aware of their true potential, they can change the world.”
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
The Worlds Times: Through your mentorship programs, what are some of the key challenges women entrepreneurs face, and how do you help them overcome these obstacles?
Nousheen Mukhtar replied, “Expat women arriving in the UAE often face several professional growth challenges, despite the country’s progressive stance on gender equality. Some of the key obstacles include:
- Navigating the Job Market – Understanding local hiring practices, work culture, and industry-specific expectations can be overwhelming.
- Building a Professional Network – Many expats struggle to establish connections that can help them advance in their careers.
- Work-Life Balance – Adjusting to a new environment while managing personal and professional responsibilities can be challenging.
- Entrepreneurial Barriers – Women looking to start businesses may face difficulties in accessing funding, mentorship, and regulatory guidance.
My leadership programs aim to bridge these gaps by offering:
- Mentorship & Coaching – Helping expat women gain insights into career growth strategies and leadership skills.
- Networking Opportunities – Connecting women with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to expand their influence.
- Skill Development Workshops – Providing training in business management, financial literacy, and personal branding.
- Entrepreneurial Support – Guiding women through the process of launching and scaling their businesses.
My initiative is to create a supportive ecosystem where expat women or any woman who wishes to grow can thrive professionally and personally in the UAE and internationally.”
Expo 2020 and Beyond
The Worlds Times: At Expo 2020, you invited African women entrepreneurs to explore business opportunities in Dubai. What were some of the key takeaways from this initiative, and how has it influenced future collaborations?
Nousheen Mukhtar replied, “At Expo 2020 Dubai, I have played a pivotal role in connecting African women entrepreneurs with business opportunities in the UAE. While it began during the Expo 2020, it did not remain limited to that one big international event. I have been organizing industry-based learning and development-oriented visits centered on Technological advancement, smart city planning, urban development, modern banking and fintech, Aesthetics and beauty and Real Estate for various government and private delegations from counties including but not limited to India, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, and Mexico.
Quite recently in partnership with Women in Management Africa organization, I have organized industry visits for women from Tanzania, Ghana, Congo and Nigeria in Dubai where women understood leadership practices in two major fields of Real Estate and Aesthetics. I was awarded as an honoree by Women in Management Africa, a private women’s social welfare and professional development organization, for my efforts in creating the best leadership learning and development opportunity in 2025 in Dubai.”
Recognition with Purpose
The Worlds Times: You’ve been recognized with multiple awards for your leadership and influence in business. What do these accolades mean to you, and how do they impact your vision for women in business?
Nousheen Mukhtar replied, “These accolades are more than just honors—they symbolize the progress and empowerment I had championed for women in business.
What These Awards mean to me
- Validation of Mission – The recognition reinforces my commitment to women’s leadership and entrepreneurship.
- Encouragement for Future Initiatives – It fuels my drive to expand programs that support women in achieving financial independence.
- A Platform for Advocacy – Awards provide me with a stronger voice to advocate for gender equality and business inclusivity.”
Empowering Women to Lead
The Worlds Times: Many women struggle to establish themselves in male-dominated industries. What strategies do you recommend to help them break barriers and thrive in leadership roles?
Nousheen Mukhtar replied, “Women navigating male-dominated industries often face unique challenges, but with the right strategies, they can break barriers and thrive in leadership roles. Here are some key approaches:
Build Strong Networks – Join women-led professional groups and mentorship programs to gain support and guidance. These groups will bring the support, resources and learning needed to stay ahead in any industry.
Challenges Gender Bias – Address workplace biases and microaggressions to create a more inclusive environment. Do not stay silent when you see injustice, take action with courage.
Showcase Expertise – Take on high-visibility projects and participate in industry events to establish credibility.
Develop Leadership Skills – Invest in training programs that enhance negotiation, communication, and strategic thinking.”
From Local Roots to Global Reach
The Worlds Times: What role do networking and international business partnerships play in women’s economic empowerment, and how do you facilitate these opportunities?
Nousheen Mukhtar replied, “Networking and international business partnerships are critical drivers of women’s economic empowerment. They provide access to resources, mentorship, funding, and market expansion, helping women entrepreneurs and professionals break barriers and thrive in competitive industries.
Key Roles of Networking & Partnerships
- Access to Capital – Women entrepreneurs often struggle with funding; global partnerships open doors to investors and financial support.
- Knowledge & Skill Development – Networking connects women with mentors, industry experts, and training programs.
- Market Expansion – International collaborations allow women-led businesses to scale beyond local markets and enter global trade.
- Policy Advocacy – Business networks help women influence policies that promote gender equality and economic inclusion.
How Nousheen Mukhtar Facilitates These Opportunities
- Global Leadership Conferences – Bringing together women leaders, investors, and policymakers to foster collaboration.
- Business Networking Events – Creating platforms for women to connect, share insights, and explore partnerships.
- Entrepreneurial Support Programs – Providing mentorship, funding guidance, and business development resources.
- Cross-Border Trade Initiatives – Helping women-led businesses expand internationally through strategic alliances.
By leveraging global networks, women can accelerate their professional growth and drive economic change.”
Shaping Tomorrow
Lastly, we asked, “Looking ahead, what initiatives or projects are you working on to further support women in business and leadership?”
“I look forward to having the following steps:
a) Establish international partnerships to facilitate cross-border leadership development.
- b) Organize leadership summits that bring together professionals from diverse backgrounds to share insights and best practices.
- c) Strengthen programs that empower women leaders and promote diversity in leadership roles.
- d) Create inclusive leadership forums that address challenges faced by underrepresented groups.
- e) Launch an entrepreneurship incubator to support leaders in building and scaling businesses.” Nousheen Mukhtar Concluded Connect with Nousheen Mukhtar on LinkedIn Visit Impact Events & Nousheen Marketing Management to learn more
Also Read:
MCC Focus: Marcus Swift Showcases Company Expertise & Values
Dr. Aysha Al Dhaheri on Founding Thabthabat
Dr. Jayesh Panchal: Transforming Waste Management