Today we celebrate International Women´s Day and there is no better way to celebrate it than acknowledging the role women play in our society. Because all, men and women, can reach further and higher if we work TOGETHER.
This year´s theme is gender equality and how can we press for progress to shorten the 200 years it looks like we are to reach real gender parity according to the World Economic´s Forum 2017 Global Gender Gap report. You might see this hashtag #pressforprogress around together with the #metoo and #timesup.
DFN meet amazing women daily. See what their thoughts and the messages are in this regard.
MEET SOME AMAZING WOMEN IN THE UAE
SASS BROWN
Nationality: British
How many years in UAE? One year
Job/Role/Sector: Dean of DIDI – I oversee the academic rigor of the Institution / Education
Company: DIDI– Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation.
Explain what do you do in your company/ team? Projects?
As the dean of DIDI, I was hired to support the establishment of the institute as a groundbreaking educational entity at the highest level of design innovation. My responsibilities included attaining Ministry of Education initial accreditation, which we received at the end of 2017, as well as hiring world-class, cross-disciplinary faculty.
Sass´s Message to society about:
- Women Empowerment
When women are empowered, humanity is empowered.
- Gender Equality
It is vital that we ensure equal opportunities for what constitutes nearly half of the world’s population.
- How to reach it?
Become an outspoken advocate for women.
- How can we as individuals help?
Be a feminist, no matter your gender.
If you are an employer ensure pay equity.
Stand up to the harassment of women.
- What companies and governments can do to facilitate real equality?
- Adherence and implementation of the Global Sustainability development goals.
- Impose pay equity.
- Ensure more female representation in positions of power including government.
- Eliminate all legal inequities between genders.
- Ensure heavy penalties for violence against women.
- How our society will benefit from it?
Women represent as much as seventy percent of those living in poverty. They are caregivers, educators, and mothers. When they are empowered, they ensure the success of future generations.
- Favorite quote related to this topic
Justin Trudeau on his inauguration, when responding to a question from the press about why gender parity was so important to him, he simply responded with “because it’s 2015.”
- Was it difficult to be a woman in your role?
Both education and fashion tend to be fairly inclusive environments, which I have benefited from. That said, the further up the academic ladder you ascend, that representation tends to decline.
- Share some short story showing that there is still a gap or that actually there is no more that gap.
A number of education reports have highlighted the lack of employment equity in higher education. While women tend to dominate the teaching rank, numbers dwindle significantly in leadership positions. As a result, I have experienced more issues since entering the ranks of administration.
More about DIDI here.
Website: http://didi.ac.ae/
Facebook + Twitter: @dididxb
Instagram: @dididxb
ALIA KHAN
Nationality: Canadian
How many years in UAE? Since 2005
Job/Role/Sector: Chairwoman, Islamic Fashion and Design Council
Explain what do you do in your company/ team? Projects?
We support the development of the modest fashion and design industry by bringing together the entire ecosystem, accompany companies looking to enter the modest fashion market and champion amazing designers.
Alia´s Message to society about
- Women empowerment
To me, women empowerment is about championing mutual respect and understanding. We all matter quite naturally, and women’s empowerment is about bringing everyone to the same level of understanding. Diversity is necessary, and we need to give respect to all men, women, and children of the world.
- Gender Equality
I believe in diversity and equal opportunities more than gender equality in the strict sense. Both genders do not necessarily have the same natural abilities, capacities or inclinations, and that is the beauty of it. Yasmin Mogahed, famous author and lecturer, said that God dignifies both men and women in their distinctiveness – not their sameness. There are great gifts both genders were blessed with. For example, only a woman can give birth, no matter what a man does, he can never be a mother, but does that make him inferior? No. (Mogahed)
I am not seeking equality with a man because that would mean I am trying to be like a man or I want men to try to be like women. I believe that we are wired differently and complement each other. The imbalance of society takes place when we lose respect and stop seeking mutual understanding. No one gender is greater than the other and no one gender can do it all alone. We need each other and we need our differences in order to thrive and build diverse, sustainable and rich societies. I don’t believe in ‘winning’ over the other gender, it’s about achieving this balance.
- How to reach it?
On a broader level, champion diversity, highlight individual stories and paths. Create platforms for all voices to be heard. On an individual level, we can all make a difference by understanding and raising the next generation to understand that no one is inferior. And no one can tell you that you are inferior. Societies always have stereotypes and notions about how things should be, we don’t need to try to change that… Misconceptions will naturally fade away when all commit to being understanding and demonstrate these values in our character.
- How can we as individuals help?
The most important is to not compete with anyone – nor men, neither each other between women. We shall all work to fulfill our own potential and work together as opposed to race against each other.
- What companies and Governments can do to facilitate real equality?
It begins with compassion and recognition that our natural state is the most powerful state. Highlighting more inspiring stories of how men and women respect one another is better than just battling for one side. The balance comes more easily when all parties feel accounted for. So let’s tell stories of how a woman respects a man, just as much as how a man respects a woman. Such appreciation efforts will make an impact.
- How our society will benefit from it?
Our society will benefit from having diverse opinions, skillsets, values, and people work together. When you preserve the value of one’s natural state, everything flourishes. The respect for the mother is higher than nothing else in life. There is no comparison. Societies that value the mother, the wife, the colleague, are societies that operate in peace and prosperity. All wise men in history have recognized this.
- Favourite quote related to this topic
Indeed YOU can bring out the best in others.
- Was it difficult to be a woman in your role?
No, I’ve always felt it was a blessing to be a woman and have always had the opportunity to work with extraordinary men and women.
- Share some short story showing that there is still a gap or that actually there is no more that gap.
I must say that have not personally experienced any gaps. I am sure many gaps exist in different environments and layers of society, but my philosophy is to never look at my disadvantages – and instead focus on what I could achieve, and draw from my own strengths. Just keep going, if you are a true, honest, and sincere person, nothing can stop you!
NJERI NG´ANG´A
Nationality: Kenyan
How many years in the UAE? 10 years
Job/ Role / Sector: Human Resources Manager at a hospitality company called D-ream Dubai.
Explain what do you do in your company/ team? Projects?
Seven years ago, I kind of fell into the world of hospitality where perpetually my mind has been exposed to so many different aspects of life. The interaction with a culturally diverse population has brought immense growth, not just to my persona, but it has also made me into the woman that I am today. Together with my team, we provide Human Resources services for D-ream restaurants brands including Rüya, Günaydin, Nusr-Et Dubai and Nusr-Et Abu Dhabi.
Njeri´s message to society about
- Women empowerment
Today, women are still fighting for their rights, freedoms, and opportunities. We need to do more starting with having those difficult conversations with our friends, at work and in our homes.
- Gender Equality
This is applicable to all of us and affects us as soon as we are born. So very early on, we must create the environment, set the right tone and mindset for our children. For example: not telling girls that “women belong in the kitchen” or telling boys that “men do not cry”. After all, we are all human beings and who knows what we can achieve if we are limitless.
- How to reach it?
Communication and awareness is the key. The message must reach all ears in all corners of the world. We must also act collectively.
- How can we as individuals help?
Self-awareness. As individuals, we must be conscious of stereotypes and must play our role in not propagating them to the next person, the next generation. Tell a new story.
- What companies and Governments can do to facilitate real equality?
Governments should ensure that all children, regardless of gender, have access to education. Companies must ensure that their policies are inclusive of women and supportive of their careers as well as their right to have a family without choosing between the two.
- From your HR perspective. What issues need to be addressed by companies to avoid gender inequality?
We are all tired of hearing – this is a man’s job. Companies ought to implement policies on equality that provide women with the same opportunities and salaries as their male counterparts. It is time to eliminate the question, “Are you married/are you planning to have children?” from our interviews. A good example of the gender bias in the hospitality industry is a woman’s beauty and physique. These qualities are considered significant for a woman to get a job; while for men, personality, knowledge, and experience will be enough to land a man the same job.
- How our society will benefit from it?
When more women participate freely in our society, our families and communities benefit from the development and sustainability that comes with economic growth.
- Favorite quote related to this topic
So many, but one of my favorites is …
“I am grateful to be a woman. I must have done something great in another life.’’ Maya Angelou.
- Was it difficult to be a woman in your role?
Definitely
- Share some short story showing that there is still a gap or that actually there is no more that gap.
One time at work we had to call in the authority over an assault. When they arrived, both male, I have introduced myself but they would not speak with me and instead chose to hear from a junior male employee. I was the only female at the time.
LOLA MURILLO
Nationality: Spanish
How many years in UAE? Less than two years.
Job/ Role / Sector: Conservation of archaeological sites / Archaeology
Company: Artfix Conservation
Explain what do you do in your company/ team? Projects?
Artfix Conservation is a company that works hand in hand with the DM (Dubai Municipality) in archaeological projects along Dubai. My three colleagues and me, all women, manage the company and work, both in the field and the lab, to give heritage in this country the importance that it deserves.
Lola´s message to society about
- Women empowerment
Women empowerment is a process that must start within yourself being aware of the importance of women in society and how we can play a bigger role in this men’s world if we unite and work together.
- Gender Equality
Gender equality shouldn’t be a dream to reach anymore. It has to be a tangible reality for everybody around the world.
- How to reach it?
Being critic with yourself and the role you play in society as well as changing things from your everyday life that can contribute to modifying what you think is wrong or unjust.
- How can we as individuals help?
We should start opening our minds and be ready to question some preconceived ideas that are installed in our workplaces, our houses, our group of friends…
- What companies and Governments can do to facilitate real equality?
Companies and Governments are the ones that can set an example by actively putting women at the same level as men in work environments as well as facilitating the access to maternity/paternity leaves equally for both parents.
- How our society will benefit from it?
It’s a fact that more equalitarian societies are happier. We’re all human beings and should be treated equally no matter our gender, color or income. It will only benefit us and the ones coming after us.
- Favorite quote related to this topic
“I’m neither ‘pro-women’ nor ‘anti-men’. I’m just thumbs up for the six billion” (Cailtin Moran)
- Was it difficult to be a woman in your role?
Whenever a woman is in a power position she has to prove twice harder than a man that she’s suitable. It’s no different in the field I work. Women are not seen as the ones making decisions, that’s why my colleagues and I have to be even more assertive than usual.
NAJAT ALSAIED
Nationality: Saudi/American
How many years in UAE? 4 years
Job/ Role / Sector:
Assistant Professor-College of Communication and Media Sciences (CCMS)
Company: Zayed University-Dubai
Explain what do you do in your company/ team? Projects?
As Assistant Professor, I mainly teach the courses writing for journalism and public relations and that include all type of media: traditional and new media.
There are other topics that I taught which are: public speaking, media ethics, and last semester I taught fashion communication. Through teaching my courses, I always emphasize on women’s rights and empowerment through the selected topics whether in the writing courses or in the public speaking classes. These topics include women in business, women and religion and traditions, women and education and women’s health. The main reason for selecting these topics is not only to support women but also to analyze the current situation in the region and mainly in the UAE for the sake of the development of women’s status. Adding to teaching, my researches are also geared into women’s development and the media. My latest book is called Screens of Influence: Arab Satellite Television & Social Development.
Najat´s Message to society about
- Women empowerment
In fact, women in the UAE have reached to a great deal of empowerment and honestly, the main source of empowerment in the UAE is coming from the leadership. The leadership in UAE is quite preceding the society in terms of acknowledging the importance of women’s empowerment. That started since the formation of the UAE under the support of late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who always encouraged women’s education and women’s financial independence.
- Gender Equality
Due to this leadership support, we see that gender equality is the highest in the region. Emirati women enjoy the same constitutional rights as men. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2017, the UAE ranks the second highest among Arab countries.
Some examples of gender equality in our country would be:
- Half of the businesses in the small-to-medium enterprise sector in the UAE are handled by women.
- The UAE has opened the region’s first military college for women, Khawla bint Al Azwar Military School.
- The Federal National Council (FNC) has 9 women members out of a total of 40 and Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi was appointed as the first female President of FNC.
- 4 women have been appointed as judges, 2 as public prosecutors and 17 as assistant public prosecutors and marriage officials.
- Women make up 20 percent of the diplomatic corps.
- There are 9 female ministers in the UAE government.
- How to reach it?
I believe that changes, especially in terms of women’s empowerment have to come from the top and then women have to take advantage of that. It is true that women’s persistence in calling for their rights is important, but the leadership’s support is very important and can reduce the number of years and efforts for achieving women’s rights. That is what made it much easier for Emirati women. Accordingly, now women are not asking for basic rights or just for gender equality, but their ambition is more than that. Their goals are how to be key players in the country’s economic and political development.
- How can we as individuals help?
The role of media should be much better in women’s development. Until now traditional media is not focusing on development matters and more into entertainment programs. Also, development matters should be presented in a more attractive way so it can attach the viewer to watch them.
The new media is not well regulated and there is a lot of unreliable information on social media. It has to be more directed so it can produce more productive information for enhancing women’s status. Professionals in the media sector whether the academics or the practitioners must play a much more vital role and try to think out of the box for a more public campaign towards this matter.
- What companies and Governments can do to facilitate real equality?
Every country has a different situation so we can not generalize. If we are talking about the UAE, Emirati women have passed all these obstacles. I couldn’t see how it can be better here in the UAE since opportunities are all available for Emirati women and there is equality in salaries, conditions, and top positions. Here we see women in top positions and the leaders of this country respect them and supports them.
- How our society will benefit from it?
If we empower women, the whole society will benefit and consequently, women in power will be the norm in the society, not an exception. However, I still see UAE still needs more time for social development in terms of modernizing customs and traditions.
The few obstacles that are facing Emirati women are not from the country’s leadership but from the society. For example, there are certain positions that are not accepted by the society such as television presenters, nurses, and engineers. There are still few Emirati families don’t accept co-education for their daughters and reluctant to send their daughters abroad for education. Also freedom of women in choosing their spouses especially if that spouse is foreign or not accepted by the family.
Also, society doesn’t accept opening up about domestic violence and marriage conflicts and see women should be quiet about such conflicts even if she was the victim. The Emirati society is still a very conservative and patriarchal society. But I am very optimistic that all these social rules and norms will be changed and modernized since the UAE has such leadership that is very keen on social development. But it is a matter of time because traditional and custom development is one of the most difficult and time-consuming development.
- Favorite quote related to this topic
“The woman is half of the society; any country which pursues development should not leave her in poverty or illiteracy.” – Sheikh Zayed
- Was it difficult to be a woman in your role?
Not at all. There is a complete equality at Zayed University. The President of the University is a woman, Sheikha Lubna Khalid Al Qasimi, the Provost of the University is also a woman, Marilyn Roberts, and our Dean in the CCMS is also a woman, Pamela Creedon, and our Associate Dean is also a woman, Gaelle Duthler.
- Share some short story showing that there is still a gap or that actually there is no more that gap.
Since I was hired at Zayed University, I have never come to any incident where I see that women are less empowered than men. On the contrary, women are so empowered at the University and they have very strong personalities. This is a governmental university and as long as the government is supporting women tremendously that will be the job environment. The main focus is not man or woman, but who is more qualified for the job, and more productive.
SAANA AZZAM
Nationality: Palestinian, born in Germany and raised in Sweden.
How many years in UAE? 6 years
Job/Role/Sector: Founder and Managing Director of MENA Speakers, Public Speaking Expert.
Company: MENA Speakers
Explain what do you do in your company/ team? Projects?
My career has stretched over several countries and continents. Growing up in Scandinavia and then having operated in 15 countries across the globe. I have lived in the UAE since 2011 and blissfully seen the country go from strength to strength. I run the leading speakers Bureau in the Middle East, called MENA Speakers. It is first of its kind and we specialize in providing Arab thought leaders and experts to the market. I am also an Ex-banker and award-winning economist from Sweden.
Saana´s Message to society about
- Women Empowerment & Gender Equality
It is a question of profitability, more gender-diverse companies are more likely to produce better returns. Many studies are supporting this, for example, McKinsey’s study concluded that “For every 10 percent improvement in gender diversity, you’d see a 2-4 percent increase in profits.” Gender equality is both ethical and profitable.
- How to reach it?
The easy one is to educate yourself and recognize that good business people make this a priority for the business. Furthermore, it is a question of auditing your teams and ensuring that corporations have diversity goals.
- How can we as individuals help?
Encouraging women to join the workforce and allowing them to outsource the home duties. Women do 2.6 times more unpaid care and domestic work than men. Ensure both partners get involved in the housework and teach children to assist in the little ways they can.
Income inequality and the pay gap will keep widening if we don’t talk about it loudly. This is a radical form of discrimination happening because of the gender of a person and quite outrageous. A lot of studies have factored in the “usual reasons” and it still turns out that most likely women are underpaid purely based on their gender. We as a society shouldn’t accept that premise and need to allow for justice and quite simply fairness in the workforce.
It also starts much younger, talk to young girls in a way that encourages their capabilities, intellect as opposed to appearance. Allow them to voice their opinion and be challenged. The gender issues appear very early and we are conditioning kids to behave “feminine” and “masculine” which creates limiting beliefs and many times unhealthy norms of what one should be.
- What companies and Governments can do to facilitate real equality?
Zero tolerance on any form of Sexual harassment, whether it is physical or verbal and it is a total violation of women’s human right. When a woman chooses to speak up even when it comes to the random jokes or tasteless commentary then companies need to have a zero-tolerance policy on these things. The “small stuff” should never be waivered nor acceptable.
A hotline for distressed women, allowing women to seek legal and psychological guidance for when unfortunate things happen.
At a corporate level, it is to encourage diversity and recruit wisely. It is to have unbiased recruitment and promotion policies. To talk gender equality and understand that there are solutions around biological topics. Parenthood can be coupled with flexible working hours with no compromise on results for example.
Lastly, a topic that always causes controversy, I actually support quotas where organizations proactively look for talented men and women to allow for a more even ratio. A misconception of quotas is that people think that they will compromise on the quality of the individual. The competency requirement remains even with quotas. Companies don’t recruit an incompetent person all of a sudden, but it does expedite the gender equality pace.
- How our society will benefit from it?
$12 trillion globally would be added to the Global GDP by 2025 if the gender gap is narrowed, as discussed by the landmark McKinsey Global Institute report. That is reasonably a good enough argument.
- Favorite quote related to this topic
“Their Lord responded to them: “I never fail to reward any worker among you for any work you do, be you male or female – you are equal to one another.” (Qur’an, 3: 195)
“We know that when women are empowered, they immeasurably improve the lives of everyone around them – their families, their communities, and their countries. This is not just about women, we men need to recognize the part we play too. Real men treat women with dignity and give them the respect they deserve.” Prince Harry.
- Was it difficult to be a woman in your role?
It was difficult when I started my career to have the courage to speak up, lean in at the table and to not just let my work speak for me but also allow myself to speak for my work. As a typical over-achiever, I would think that performance was the only thing that mattered in business and would shy away from interacting with the big bosses. I would notice that this type of confidence wasn’t necessarily the case with my male peers. I worked incredibly proactively around this and one of the key things I did was to learn how to communicate, network and speak confidently.
This is what we work with now in a lot of our workshops, we talk about “The Art of Connection” for women and allowing them to tap into the different voices that they have in our society.
- Share some short story showing that there is still a gap or that actually there is no more that gap.
I traveled to a camp to learn how to drive for 5 days. During this camp, I took classes with both younger and older females. One of the girls at the time was only 17 and day by day, I noticed how her spirit was slowly mellowing.
I asked her what was wrong and she said nothing. Then I asked her how her driving classes were and she answered that they were fine. For some reason, I didn’t really believe her. So I sat in silence waiting for her to say something more. Then she casually mentions how weird her instructor was because he was using euphemism about the car and the way she should drive it.
When I asked her for examples, it was clear that this driver was implying sexual things in a subtle way about mechanics of driving the car. It had me outraged and I had to explain to her that when a professional jokes in subtle and inappropriate ways then it is not acceptable and that she should always summon the courage to speak because it is not her fault.
The man was made redundant from his job the same day and the girl was fully reimbursed. However, it is these discrete and unacceptable interactions that we need to talk about just as much as the big government policy-type of questions.
ELIANE KOZAL
Nationality: Lebanese
How many years in UAE? 6 years
Job/Role/ Sector: Compliance Manager – MENAT – Oil & Gas
Company: Baker Hughes, a GE company
Explain what do you do in your company/ team? Projects?
As part of my role, as compliance manager, I deliver trainings including Fair Employment Practices and Leading without Bias, which focuses on gender equality, diversity, fair employment and hiring practices. I also play an active role in Women’s Network in UAE working closely with Diversity and Inclusion team to empower women in the company, give them visibility, technical and leadership trainings and stay connected.
On top of my corporate job, I am a pastry chef and founder of eatsandtreatsdxb. I started this online platform in 2017 and throughout my network, I got involved in an exciting project – Empowering women through cooking. It is a project by women for women and it aims to give all women in UAE a chance to be heard by sharing their stories and recipes and publish a cookbook. This project is led in Dubai by Alaa Odeh, Serene Issa and myself. It includes more than 40 talented, inspiring, powerful and diverse women. It started in Jordan, in Amman, by Seven Circles Company and they are rolling out the project in different countries.
Eliane´s Message to society about
- Women empowerment
Women are empowered when they have the freedom to pursue their ambitions without being strongly influenced by societal norms. In several parts of the world, society has progressed greatly. We have evolved from a time where women were expected to be housewives to a time where women can choose to be housewives, to be in politics, to pursue a career in the corporate world, to run their own business, or to pursue any other ambition it may be. Unfortunately, not all societies and cultures have empowered women and we still have a long way to go until we reach the level where women are as equally empowered as men.
- Gender Equality
I personally believe that gender equality can´t be measured by the number of women and men in the workforce, or how much salaries they are getting. It’s more on how many women versus men we have on the board of directors, CEOS, senior management, C-level… It is about how many female CVs are considered when choosing candidates for a job, whether men and women are asked the same questions during the hiring process. Having many women in one function versus none in others does not indicate that a company supports diversity and inclusion. Gender equality is a mindset, traditional views on women and men changed over the years, companies and societies are more keen to talk about gender equality and take pro-active measures to promote that culture.
- How to reach it?
We can play a strong role within our community to promote and increase awareness on gender equality. As women, we need to be active in the society, demonstrate the benefits of having a healthy balance in our community. Women to support women and be advocates for their work and achievements. But most importantly, I believe to reach gender equality, men must support women, be their sponsors and backbone. It takes 2 to balance.
- What companies and Governments can do to facilitate real equality?
Many companies are leading by example when it comes to promoting gender equality and empowering women. In BHGE, we have a strong women network group and a global team dedicated to diversity and inclusion. Some actions we took in the last few years to support women are:
- Mandatory training for managers and senior leadership on leading without Bias.
- Adding gender diversity as part of the KPIs.
- Flexible hours for working mothers.
- Return to career programs: For women who had to stop their career for few years to return to the workforce and work on specific projects to then get hired.
- How our society will benefit from it?
It is a fact that gender equality is a necessary foundation for a sustainable and prosperous world. Improving gender equality not only benefits individuals but also impacts the whole society by having more jobs opportunities, increase in GDP and economic growth and boost healthy competitiveness.
- Was it difficult to be a woman in your role?
My role as a compliance manager and previously an auditor in an Oil & Gas company consists of interacting with all employees from different functions and visiting the workshops and remote sites that we have across the region. That industry is mainly dominated by men. So being the only woman around was not something unusual. In the beginning, I used to be intimidated and a bit worried knowing that I’m running, for example, a training for 50+ men. I had this urge of wanting to know all answers, but this intimidation went away as I gained more confidence and trust in the company’s culture. It’s important to have people around who believe in gender equality and support women’s growth.
- Share some short story showing that there is still a gap or that actually there is no more that gap.
I want to share a fun fact … in my department, Legal & Compliance, we were 5 women at some point, so everyone used to look at us and say we should support gender diversity by adding men to the team! ????
LUCIA ORTEGA
Nationality: Spain
How many years in UAE? 6 years
Job/Role/Sector: Industrial Engineer / Senior Fire Safety Consultant / Construction
Company: JENSEN HUGHES (since 2012)
Explain what do you do in your company/ team? Projects?
I’m an Industrial Engineer with over 13 years of professional experience in providing fire safety consultancy for all aspects of the built environment. I currently work on transport infrastructure projects, airport, stations, tunnels … in Dubai – daily tasks range from design consultation, negotiation with authorities to site supervision.
Lucia´s Message to society about
- Women empowerment
You are strong, you are valuable and you have the power to change the world. Go out there and kick ass. Make your dreams come true.
- Gender Equality
We, women, have to work harder and need to prove our worthiness on a daily basis. We end up doing twice as much as men to be thought half as good. Let’s change this. Let’s just be ourselves & continue doing the amazing job we do!
- How to reach it?
Educating men who see us inferior so they can see us valuable team members and they stop feeling threatened.
Becoming a center of influence so we can inspire (and support) each other & never ever give up.
- How can we as individuals help?
We cannot succeed when half of us are held back. I like to raise up my voice – not so I can shout but so that those without a voice can be heard.
- What companies and Governments can do to facilitate real equality?
Giving opportunities: I am where I am because someone believed in me in the first place.
- How our society will benefit from it?
Synergy concept: one plus one equals three.
- Favorite quote related to this topic
Whilst men may play the game, women know the score – Habeeb Akande (and we women will win together – Lucía Ortega)
- Was it difficult to be a woman in your role?
The need to constantly prove myself coupled with discrimination in certain roles.
One of the worst sentences I have heard in my career was when I was working on a construction site. I met 3 other women over the course of 2 years – out of 14,000 people working there. A constructor told me that “I have done really bad in my life to be there”. It is tough to be seen less than them.
