The Pearl Initiative in collaboration with NAMA Women Advancement Establishment (NAMA) has hosted a webinar recently to discuss the role of women in the workplace and examine how organizations can increase diversity representation and create an enabling environment to support women, which is a key pillar of the Gulf region’s long term vision.
Rana Zumai, Head of Corporate Communications for Nesma Holding said, “I was honored to represent Nesma and be a part of this discussion facilitated by NAMA and the Pearl Initiative. This discussion is another opportunity to create conversation on how companies can do better and do more to ensure inclusion for women, falling in line with the visions of our governing entities. Nesma has implemented a number of initiatives and practices to shape a culture where females can prosper. These included mentorship programs for women, study and training opportunities as well as integrating corporate responsibility throughout the organization. The company’s efforts align with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 which includes regulations to promote females in the workforce.”
“The stories of these extraordinary individuals will show us what is possible when the right choices and decisions impacting gender equality are made. NAMA has launched Irtiqa, a global platform for women in 2019 to foster a stronger understanding of both the business and social value of women’s economic inclusion. Through Irtiqa, NAMA strives to increase the uptake of the global Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) by closing knowledge gaps, actioning inclusion and driving change to realize gender equity as a fundamental for societies and economies to thrive,” stated Reem BinKaram, Director of NAMA.
The webinar says to facilitate a conversation between the female leaders which covered topics such as the role of senior leadership and incorporating diversity on corporate boards without it becoming a check box exercise; policies that companies in the region can implement to build and grow a diverse workforce; how companies can up skill women in their organization’s long term; and practices that shape a company culture where females can enjoy a healthy work life balance and ultimately, flourish.
Maryam Zaman, Partner and Head of Governance Services at KPMG Lower Gulf noted, “The Pearl Initiative is helping to create conversations which confront the structure and policies of corporate organizations and educating on the importance of providing a supportive environment for women. Organizations should be placing focus on creating a space where women can celebrate a healthy work life balance, which is an important element for women’s retention within a company. Companies such as KPMG are leading the way for workplace diversity and inclusion by putting support into place for all female employees, such as extended and flexible maternity leave. In addition, they encourage innovative and forward-thinking women to share actively put forward their ideas, to support them in their upward mobility. Companies should use conversations such as this, and examples set by those such as KPMG, as an opportunity to listen and learn.”
Ranya Saadawi Executive Director of the Pearl Initiative concluded, “It is imperative that we provide a platform for these conversations, which support our shared vision of creating a level playing field for women, particularly in the corporate environment. It’s important to highlight the business case that more diversity leads to more resilient and profitable companies.”
