UAE cultural leader urges women to lift each other up at Dubai summit
By Dubai Currents Staff1 min read
DUBAI: True leadership is measured not by titles or achievements but by the impact one has on others, UAE-based cultural leader Lara Ewing told the inaugural Khaleej Times Women’s Power Summit in Dubai on Wednesday.
Leadership Beyond Titles
Delivering a keynote address titled ‘The Generation Shapers’ at the event held at Address Sky View in Downtown, Ewing reflected on the importance of collective success and women supporting one another. The summit brought together trailblazing women from various industries to celebrate achievements and spark conversations around leadership, gender equality and challenges facing the next generation.
“We tend to associate power with the big things, with titles, authority, important decisions, achievements, but some of the most significant influence we have happens in moments we barely notice,” Ewing said.
Personal Experiences of Support and Undermining
Drawing on her experiences in the cultural and live entertainment industry, Ewing spoke candidly about contrasting experiences that have shaped her career. “I’ve had women who have mentored me, championed me, challenged me, and opened doors I might never have walked through otherwise,” she said. “But I’ve also experienced the opposite. I’ve been undermined, belittled and harassed.”
Solidarity Must Be Practiced
While acknowledging progress made towards women’s empowerment, Ewing stressed that solidarity must extend beyond words. “Supporting other women must be more than something we celebrate in principle. It has to be something we practice. Especially when it’s inconvenient.”
As a mother of two young daughters, she said one of the most important lessons she hopes to pass on is that success need not come at someone else’s expense. “Lifting someone else up doesn’t push you down. Making space for someone else doesn’t mean there’s less room for you.”
Legacy for Future Generations
Concluding her address, Ewing encouraged leaders to consider the opportunities and legacies they create for future generations. “The ripples will continue long after we’ve moved on,” she said.
