Women’s Leadership Event in the Middle East Encourages Leaders in their Calling

The Global Leadership Network’s premier two-day leadership event of the year has been held annually in August for the last 25+ years, convening leaders of various backgrounds from all over the world. Over time, The Global Leadership Summit (GLS) has become more than just an event—what makes it what it is today are incredible leaders who are part of a diverse audience of curious, growth-minded, change-driven people with a vision for positive transformation in their organizations and communities.

This is true even in locations we are unable to mention for their own safety. Through the support of our generous GLS audience, the Global Leadership Network is able to bring leadership training and encouragement to those who wouldn’t otherwise have access—to those in society whose leadership is often disregarded—to women in the Middle East who now have a place to be empowered in their leadership gift.

I received passion again to serve humanity, not because I am needed at work, but because of a cry to God with tears for our city.

Sentiments of surprise and encouragement were common among the many professional women who had the opportunity to attend an exclusive GLS designed specifically for them in this undisclosed location in the Middle East. “The Summit is something very special,” one of the attendees shared. “Who has an event for Christian professional women—a group of women who are the least cared for, and even neglected by their own families, companies, and organizations? To my surprise, I found the GLS not only equips leaders with their world-class teaching, but they also care for leaders’ self-esteem. I’m going back a changed person.”

“I’ve never attended an event like this,” said a school principal. “The faculty of women at the GLS inspired me. I have realized the importance of my position at work and how it is a God-given opportunity to lead with God given talents and make a vast difference in my community. The GLS has opened my eyes.”

Many of the women expressed the value of the opportunity to access world-class teaching dubbed in their own language, in community with other women. “What deep and authentic teaching presented in such a simple humble manner,” said another attendee. “I am so very impressed by the translation. This is a bonus God has given me—to sit and learn with so many other professional women.”

While the audience at the women’s GLS in this undisclosed location represented women from various industries and backgrounds, it was particularly full of women from the medical field, including this nurse who said she was ready to give up after her best friend died of Covid. “Covid has given me restless night duties,” she said. “I’ve been seeing deaths and family demanding more time. And because there is less staff, I no longer have a church life or breaks. Then my best friend at work died of Covid too. I was so angry. I no longer had passion for my work. I was ready to resign. But I was given a GLS brochure, and my colleagues insisted I join them. I sat for the whole day at the GLS with heavy heart. But I received passion again to serve humanity, not because I am needed at work, but because of a cry to God with tears for our city. We as leaders need a heart to see this city transformed. We need to bless every attendee and send them out as loving, kind, and compassionate ambassadors of God.”

The GLS is often a place where leaders find new hope, not only in their leadership, but also in their renewed faith. That was the case for this tech professional who dedicated her life to Jesus after the GLS! “I was struggling in my family life, especially with children during Covid,” she shared. “I was in panic, not thinking right…I couldn’t find a solution. I found out about the GLS, and at first, I wasn’t sure if I should attend, but I decided to go. Now, I know why God brought me to the GLS. Most importantly, I made my peace with God. I had never accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, even though I was born and raised in so called Christian family. At the GLS, I found peace in Him during the incredible prayer time. I am ready and able to face the challenges and difficulties in my family life now. I am going back home ready to fight, with peace. Thank you to the GLS. God is so good to me.”

I know now that we have GLS friends around the world who care and pray for us…we are not alone.

As a Christian in a society where persecution is a reality, this teacher shared how she used to refrain from answering questions her students asked about how to face difficulties in their life, because of her fear of being found out as a Christian. “The GLS has given me hope to see myself and my life as a means to help transform other people’s lives. I went home changed and open to all God is going to bring my way from now on. I am ready to answer all the questions my students bring to me. I will even share what I have learned in GLS with my colleagues.”

As much as these women valued the opportunity to grow in their leadership skills together, some went on to express how the teaching reminded them to hold onto their values, even against incredible odds. “Over the last two years, because of Covid, our profession has been through really tough times,” said one of the attendees from the medical field. “I have seen and experienced some the worst deaths. Getting such encouragement is something very special to medical professionals like us. I feel renewed and strengthened. Leadership is very difficult as professional women, and it’s hard to survive in our male dominated culture. But this GLS is going to impact many and is going to imprint long lasting transforming results in this city. I am going to serve more than ever. And I know now that we have GLS friends around the world who care and pray for us…we are not alone.”

Indeed, these women are not alone. If you have ever given a donation above and beyond the ticket price to attend one of our leadership events, you too are part of these incredible stories. You make it possible for us to bring events like The Global Leadership Summit around the world, including locations we cannot even mention for their own safety. Learn more about how you can get involved at GlobalLeadership.org/Give.