Course Description
WOMEN IN INTERNAL AUDIT – UAE
“NOUR - Lighting the way, together.”
PROGRAM OVERVIEW (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)Program Lead / Subject Matter Expert: Mrs. Jenitha John CA(SA), CD(SA), CIA, QIAL, SEP (Harvard) - Independent Global GRC Consultant | Former Chairman – IIA Global Board
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9:00 – 9:30 | Registration & Networking Breakfast
Purpose: Ease into the day with informal connection
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9:30 – 9:50 | Opening & Purpose Setting
Session: Why Women in Internal Audit, Why Now – UAE Context
Speakers:
• UAE IAA Leadership Representative
• Senior female audit leader (UAE or GCC)
Ground rule introduced: “No fixing, no judging – only listening.”
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9:50 – 10:30 | Keynote Conversation
Leadership Without Apology: Redefining Success on Our Terms
Format: Fireside chat
Topics:
• Navigating ambition in cultures that value humility
• Saying “yes” to leadership without saying “no” to family
• Letting go of guilt (at home and at work)
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10:30 – 10:45 | Coffee Break
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10:45 – 12:00 | Courageous Conversations Circles
The Conversations We Don’t Usually Have
Format: Facilitated small-group circles (8–10 women)
Each circle explores one theme:
1. The Guilt Conversation
o Working motherhood, caregiving, elder care
o Cultural and self-imposed expectations
2. The Confidence Conversation
o Imposter syndrome at senior levels
o Speaking up in male-dominated rooms
3. The Support System Conversation
o Spouses, family, domestic help, community
o Asking for help without shame
4. The Ambition Conversation
o Wanting “more” without justification
o Choosing leadership later or differently
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12:00 – 1:00 | Networking Lunch
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1:00 – 2:00 | Panel Discussion
What It Really Takes to Get to the Top in Internal Audit
Panel Mix:
• CAE / Head of Internal Audit
• Audit Committee member / Board member
• Senior HR or Talent leader
• One male ally (intentional inclusion)
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2:00 – 3:00 | Guilt-Free Zone: Real Stories, Real Choices
There Is No One Right Way
Format: Storytelling (5–7 minutes each)
Speakers: 4–5 women at different life stages:
• Senior leader with children
• Senior leader without children
• Woman who paused and returned
• Woman who chose a specialist path over hierarchy
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3:00 – 3:30 | Commitment Session – Tea Break
From Conversation to Action
Participants reflect and write:
• One belief to let go of
• One boundary to set
• One leadership step to take in the next 6 months
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3:30 – 4:00 | Closing & Launch of WIIA UAE Community
Announcements:
• WIIA UAE mentoring circles
• Quarterly conversation series
• Male allies initiative
• Research or whitepaper on women in IA (UAE focus)
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POST-EVENT IMPACT
• Create a “Voices of Women in Internal Audit” series
• Follow-up virtual circle at 60 days
