UAE: Women leaders attend novel workshop on governance

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Dubai - The virtual training on the ‘Guide for Women on Boards’ aimed at enhancing the capacities of women in leadership and decision-making positions.

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Published: Sun 7 Mar 2021, 9:07 PM

Twenty-six Emirati women leaders ranging from undersecretaries, assistant undersecretaries, and executive directors across the federal government participated in a novel workshop for women organised by the UAE Gender Balance Council.

The virtual training on the ‘Guide for Women on Boards’ aimed at enhancing the capacities of women in leadership and decision-making positions. It also included tips on increasing women’s representation on boards of directors across both the public and private sectors.


The workshop was delivered by Dr Ashraf Gamal El Din, CEO of Hawkamah Institute for Corporate Governance, and addressed governance and its role within boards of directors, the efficiency of different types of boards, and incentives for increased women’s inclusion. He also talked about the proven positive benefits on institutional performance and the overall economy that come from women’s presence on boards of directors, during the workshop.

The two-day workshop addressed various topics related to the importance of embedding the values ​​of governance, accountability, and transparency in any institution to influence the policies and work systems, which develop markets and stimulate growth of foreign direct and indirect investment.


Dr Ashraf Gamal El Din highlighted the percentage of women’s presence in the boards of directors across the world, and the UAE’s efforts to increase women’s representation in boardrooms across the country. He said: “Supporting women’s success, distinction, and leadership across vital sectors motivates us to equip them with the tools necessary to be valued members on Boards of Directors across the UAE.”

“Studies and reports published by various countries around the world indicate that the presence of women in boardrooms is of numerous benefits, including enhanced financial performance, efficient decision-making, improved corporate governance practices, and greater attention to the social sensitives and sustainability.”

Shamsa Saleh, Secretary-General of the UAE Gender Balance Council, shared that the objective of the workshop is to provide tangible guidance, insight, and tools to Emirati women who are both seeking to join boards, and those that are already on boards across sectors. “The guide also shares global evidence on the measurable benefits of having women on boards of directors. This guide will be a key contributor to increasing the numbers of women on boards across the UAE…Such workshops are in line with the council’s objective to increase women’s representation in leadership and decision-making positions,” she said.

She added that the council’s efforts towards enhancing women’s representation stems from the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership, which considers women’s inclusion central to societal and economic success.

saman@khaleejtimes.com


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