WFC: A future built by women, for women
From a casual question to an impactful and empowering initiative. Women Future Cities proves that all women could shine if they were offered the opportunity.
Published: 04:07 PM,Jul 22,2025 | EDITED : 08:07 PM,Jul 22,2025
It all started with “just a belief”. Women shouldn’t wait for opportunities; they should create them. At its core, Women Future Cities (WFC) embodies the truth that empowered women are the soul of change and the heart of transformation.
The spark was lit by a question: “Why not host a global initiative and bring it to Oman as a chapter?” The belief turned into a vision and the answer became a movement.
That casual question, asked during a phone call in 2023 by a colleague, stayed with the founder, Laila al Hadhrami and eventually sparked a global initiative, Women Future Cities (WFC).
That colleague had been searching for data on empowered women in tech in Oman but ended up frustrated by how little was available. Then, almost as an afterthought, she suggested hosting a global initiative. Al Hadhrami, the moment lingered and the question echoed in her mind. That suggestion turned into a challenge. She began researching for similar initiatives, but none reflected the kind of inclusiveness she was seeking, “I wanted something more holistic”, she explained, “an initiative that empowers women not just in tech, but in leadership, sustainability and entrepreneurship”. She wasn’t looking for a replica; she aimed for something new. So the lingering question soon turned into a clear vision. And in December 2024, that vision became a movement: Women Future Cities (WFC) was officially launched, with its very first workshop held in Suhar, Oman and led by Al Hadhrami, the founder herself.
Through WFC’s first workshop, Al Hadhrami didn’t just launch the initiative from behind a desk; she actually embodied the initiative she introduced and aimed to inspire others. She shares that she led this first session, believing in leading by example — a principle she insists upon for all executive members joining WFC, so they can embody the role model they promote. The second workshop was led by Ayam al Kharousi, Head of the Oman Chapter.
This principle became an essential value in WFC. Every chapter head begins their journey by stepping forward and leading the first workshop in their region. That’s precisely what happened as WFC expanded into Jordan and Bahrain, where Razan Miqdad and Afnan Saqer, the respective heads of each chapter, led their sessions.
WFC has designed a model that “meets women where they are, whether they’re simply curious or ready to lead change”, stated the founder, who highlights that WFC offers accessibility, trust and relevance. She explains, “We listen closely to the community, understand their real needs and design programmes that are practical, inclusive and grounded in everyday life”. To encourage engagement, WFC offers a clear pathway with three levels of participation:
• Dreamers who come together to learn, explore and develop foundational knowledge.
• Ambassadors, who give back by leading workshops and awareness sessions.
• Champions are experienced leaders who mentor others and drive real impact in their communities.
To encourage participation, WFC publicly recognises every woman who leads at least two workshops, boosting visibility and building confidence, especially for those new to leadership. The initiative also offers a Mentorship Programme, connecting women with experienced role models who guide and inspire them. At WFC, every contribution is valued, from attending a first session to mentoring others.
From a casual question to an impactful and empowering initiative. Women Future Cities proves that all women could shine if they were offered the opportunity.
“You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to be willing to learn. This space was created for you”, the founder points out to women who may still be hesitant to join.
Whether they begin as Dreamers or grow into Champions, WFC ensures that every woman is seen, supported and celebrated. It’s a space built by women, for women, to flourish as leaders in a promising community.
The spark was lit by a question: “Why not host a global initiative and bring it to Oman as a chapter?” The belief turned into a vision and the answer became a movement.
That casual question, asked during a phone call in 2023 by a colleague, stayed with the founder, Laila al Hadhrami and eventually sparked a global initiative, Women Future Cities (WFC).
That colleague had been searching for data on empowered women in tech in Oman but ended up frustrated by how little was available. Then, almost as an afterthought, she suggested hosting a global initiative. Al Hadhrami, the moment lingered and the question echoed in her mind. That suggestion turned into a challenge. She began researching for similar initiatives, but none reflected the kind of inclusiveness she was seeking, “I wanted something more holistic”, she explained, “an initiative that empowers women not just in tech, but in leadership, sustainability and entrepreneurship”. She wasn’t looking for a replica; she aimed for something new. So the lingering question soon turned into a clear vision. And in December 2024, that vision became a movement: Women Future Cities (WFC) was officially launched, with its very first workshop held in Suhar, Oman and led by Al Hadhrami, the founder herself.
Through WFC’s first workshop, Al Hadhrami didn’t just launch the initiative from behind a desk; she actually embodied the initiative she introduced and aimed to inspire others. She shares that she led this first session, believing in leading by example — a principle she insists upon for all executive members joining WFC, so they can embody the role model they promote. The second workshop was led by Ayam al Kharousi, Head of the Oman Chapter.
This principle became an essential value in WFC. Every chapter head begins their journey by stepping forward and leading the first workshop in their region. That’s precisely what happened as WFC expanded into Jordan and Bahrain, where Razan Miqdad and Afnan Saqer, the respective heads of each chapter, led their sessions.
WFC has designed a model that “meets women where they are, whether they’re simply curious or ready to lead change”, stated the founder, who highlights that WFC offers accessibility, trust and relevance. She explains, “We listen closely to the community, understand their real needs and design programmes that are practical, inclusive and grounded in everyday life”. To encourage engagement, WFC offers a clear pathway with three levels of participation:
• Dreamers who come together to learn, explore and develop foundational knowledge.
• Ambassadors, who give back by leading workshops and awareness sessions.
• Champions are experienced leaders who mentor others and drive real impact in their communities.
To encourage participation, WFC publicly recognises every woman who leads at least two workshops, boosting visibility and building confidence, especially for those new to leadership. The initiative also offers a Mentorship Programme, connecting women with experienced role models who guide and inspire them. At WFC, every contribution is valued, from attending a first session to mentoring others.
From a casual question to an impactful and empowering initiative. Women Future Cities proves that all women could shine if they were offered the opportunity.
“You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to be willing to learn. This space was created for you”, the founder points out to women who may still be hesitant to join.
Whether they begin as Dreamers or grow into Champions, WFC ensures that every woman is seen, supported and celebrated. It’s a space built by women, for women, to flourish as leaders in a promising community.
Maryam al Balushi
The writer is an SQU student