In Pictures: Check out the best workplaces in the UAE for women

Education and the right exposures have surely got us a long way, but gender disparity is still an issue that needs to be tackled forcefully. Because even with all the job opportunities created, it will not do much good if one section of the workforce keeps on being treated at a disadvantage.

The UAE certainly is working towards erasing such gender-related gaps. The country is ranked 18th globally and at the top regionally in the Gender Inequality Index (GII) of the UN Development Programme’s Human Development Report 2020.

The package company DHL Express, the home furnishings retailer The One, and the financial services firm Century Financial were leading the way on empowering their women workforce. The three companies came out tops in the large, medium and small categories.

The poll was done by the Great Place to Work consultancy, which surveyed women employees to determine the Best Workplaces for Women. The survey examines female employee experiences of trust, innovation, company values, and leadership.

In the small size category, the Dubai Police Academy, Midstar, RAK Tourism Development Authority, Tawal and Dubai SME topped the list.

In the medium and large subcategory, Cisco, DP World, Fareekh University Hospital, Aldar Properties and Dubai Customs had prominent spots on the list.

These organisations topped the list for creating best working environment for women. The ranking criteria include increasing women’s participation, considering the feedback of women, equal pay and everyday experience at workplace.

Besides achieving their targets on gender participation, these UAE organisations have a taken quite the leap in addressing a high-profile social cause.

A recent study shows that 28 per cent of females hold leadership positions in the UAE. The number is expected to see sharp increases as women in business advance in their careers as equal opportunities result in talent optimization.

The UAE Labour Law provides for the abolition of all restrictions imposed on women working at night and working in complex jobs such as mining, construction, manufacturing, energy, agriculture and transportation to give women the right to work in these industries. The law does not allow the employer to terminate a woman’s services or warn her because of her pregnancy.

Flexible legislation is a major incentive that makes the UAE one of the most preferred destinations to work globally.