Canadian University Dubai — Women's Mentoring Schemes
Our Commitment
Canadian University Dubai is committed to empowering female students and staff through dedicated women's mentoring schemes. These programs are designed to build confidence, foster leadership skills, and support the career development of women in various fields. The University partners with prestigious international organizations and leverages its internal expertise to provide structured, safe, and professional mentoring relationships.
Notably, between 2019 and 2024, well over 10% of CUD's female student body engaged in these mentorship or training opportunities.
Formal Women's Mentoring Schemes
CUD offers several formal mentoring schemes in partnership with corporate and community organizations to connect female students with high-level role models.
| Scheme Name | Partner Organization | Target Group | Description and Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women@Dior Mentorship | Christian Dior Couture | Female students (Business/Creative) | High-potential students are paired with female Dior mentors for a year. In one cohort, 6 of the 7 UAE mentees were from CUD. Includes career coaching and a visit to Dior's Paris headquarters. |
| The LINK Mentoring Initiative | The LINK (UAE Non-Profit) | Female students and young professionals | CUD hosts structured mentorship cohorts on campus. CUD faculty (e.g., Ms. Orsi Urban, Dr. Franziska Apprich) volunteer as mentors to support women's career development and leadership capacity. |
| CUD Business Incubator Mentorship | Ryerson University Partnership | Female entrepreneurs | Provides a safe, supportive environment where young women can incubate business ideas, access mentorship, and build professional skills without immediate external pressures. |
Faculty and Staff Mentoring
CUD's female faculty and staff actively lead mentoring schemes and serve as role models for the next generation of women.
- Dr. Franziska "Fran" Apprich: Heads CUD's incubator and launched the "She for She" campaign to encourage women to support each other. She co-developed "The Entrepreneuse," a board game designed to teach female students the steps of launching a company.
- Dr. Naseem Abdulla: An Emirati female academic who bridges academia and public-sector leadership, actively mentoring a new generation of women in public health and government.
Student-Led Networks and Informal Mentoring
Beyond formal programs, CUD's student community fosters informal mentoring schemes that build solidarity and personal growth.
- Leadership Role Models: Shaima Al Hai made history as CUD's first female Student Council President (serving two consecutive terms). Her leadership has encouraged more young women at CUD to step up as campus leaders and mentors to their peers.
- Peer-to-Peer Networking: CUD frequently celebrates International Women's Day and Emirati Women's Day with panels featuring inspiring alumnae and faculty who share advice and experiences.
- Community Volunteering: Student groups like CUD Cares partner with female-led social enterprises (e.g., The Mawada Project) to engage female students in volunteerism and leadership activities.
How Students Access These Schemes
Female students interested in participating in women's mentoring schemes can:
- Contact Career Services for information on the Women@Dior and The LINK applications.
- Visit the CUD Business Incubator to inquire about entrepreneurial mentorship.
- Attend Student Affairs events during International Women's Day for networking opportunities.
Alignment with National and Global Goals
These women's mentoring schemes align with SDG 5 (Gender Equality), particularly UN Target 5.5 (ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership). By providing targeted mentorship, CUD actively accelerates women's career development and leadership readiness.
For more information, contact the Career Services Office or the CUD Business Incubator.