Global GDP could see a significant increase of $21 trillion if gender equality is realized, as empowering women is not only beneficial but also vital for business. Women, who represent half the global population and consumer base, play an essential role in accessing and catering to half of the world’s markets. This was a key message at the Global Women’s Forum Dubai (GWFD).
Urgent call for collective action
During a session on the second day titled “Women in Sustainability: Leadership for Emerging Economies,” Dr. Yasar Jarrar, secretary general of the CSO Network, underscored the urgent need for collective action to speed up gender parity, noting that at the current pace, it would take 105 years to achieve equality. He pointed out the significant disparities in policies and infrastructure between emerging markets and developed economies, highlighting the necessity for immediate measures.
Dr. Jarrar stated that empowering women is beneficial for business, referencing research that indicates diverse boards outperform their non-diverse counterparts by 20 percent. He mentioned that since women make up half the population and consumer base, their contributions are crucial for engaging with half of the market.
Women’s advancements in education
The CSO Network is working on establishing a global network to connect women in emerging markets, aiming to foster relationships and facilitate quicker progress.
Dr. Jarrar declared that the future is female and noted that women in the GCC are excelling beyond men in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. He reported that women in the UAE and Saudi Arabia scored 45 points higher than their male counterparts on the PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) tests by OECD, indicating that women are increasingly prepared for future job opportunities.
Policy reforms in the UAE
In the UAE, intentional policy reforms are in place to empower women, resulting in notable representation in leadership and education. The enhanced skills and visibility of women in education and the workforce are vital for future economic and social prosperity.
Read more | Empowering women for climate action: The pivotal role of Emirati women at COP29 in Baku
Mentorship and support for women leaders
Samar Al Hameedi, vice president of the Climate Change Division at ADNOC, proposed the creation of a global network for women in emerging markets to offer support and mentorship. She expressed the need to showcase more successful women leaders in sustainability to serve as inspirational role models and emphasized the importance of ensuring that workplaces and infrastructure are equipped to support women, particularly in traditionally male-dominated fields.
She also stressed the significance of Chief Sustainability Officers and collaboration in tackling challenges related to talent and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Addressing barriers to women’s advancement
Al Hameedi highlighted the need for more role models to inspire women and pointed out the existing gender gap favoring women in mathematics and science within the GCC. She further elaborated on ADNOC’s initiatives aimed at nurturing future female talent and their commitment to achieving gender balance, including their status as a signatory to the UN’s Women Empowerment Principles.
Initiatives to empower women at ADNOC
Furthermore, Al Hameedi noted that ADNOC’s initiatives to empower women, such as the Pathway 20 program, focus on developing female board directors. Al Hameedi identified three primary barriers hindering women’s advancement: the lack of role models, the need for an enabling environment, and the necessity for robust networks.
