Pearl Initiative and NAMA women discuss how organisations can support women’s advancement in the workplace

Dubai: In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Pearl Initiative, in collaboration with Women Advancement Establishment (NAMA), hosted a webinar recently to discuss the role of women in the workplace, and examine how organisations 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.

Describing the webinar’s participants as “gamechangers” in her opening address, Her Excellency Reem BinKaram, Director of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment (NAMA), said: “The stories of these extraordinary individuals will show us what is possible when the right choices and decisions impacting gender equality are made.”

BinKaram’s keynote speech by was followed by a discussion between Rana Zumai, Head of Corporate Communications for Nesma Holding based in Saudi Arabia, and Maryam Zaman, Partner and Head of Governance Services at KPMG Lower Gulf, and moderated by the Pearl Initiative’s Executive Director, Ranya Saadawi.

Panelist Rana Zumai, Head of Corporate Communications for Nesma Holding, said, “I was honoured 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.”

Rana continued by stating the importance of leadership and their values to promote women in the workplace. Nesma has implemented a number of initiatives and practises to shape a culture where females can prosper.

Maryam Zaman, Partner and Head of Governance Services at KPMG Lower Gulf, said “The Pearl Initiative is helping to create conversations which confront the structure and policies of corporate organisations and educating on the importance of providing a supportive environment for women. Organisations 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.”

Commenting on the successful conclusion of the panel discussion, Executive Director of the Pearl Initiative, Ranya Saadawi thanked the panellists for their inspiring and thought-provoking conversations and mentioned that sharing their personal experiences is breaking the glass ceiling of corporate industries and the role of women in the workplace.