Dr Saundarya Rajesh and Abla Hafez at the media briefing. — Supplied photo
Avtar Group, a global leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) solutions, in collaboration with Seramount, has unveiled the second edition of the Best Companies for Women in Gulf (BCWG) study. This pivotal benchmarking initiative acknowledges companies that are leading in fostering gender diversity and inclusion within the workplaces of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The inaugural BCWG study, which concluded earlier this year, highlighted the Top 10 companies that have significantly advanced in creating inclusive environments and implementing progressive policies to support women. The 2024 Top 10 Companies, recognized for their leadership in diversity and inclusivity, include Apparel Group, Bayer Middle East FZE, Diversey A Solenis Company Gulf FZE, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, Ecolab, General Motors Overseas Distribution LLC, Gulf Islamic Investments LLC, KONE MIDDLE EAST LLC, OTIS Elevator, and Wipro Limited.
The BCWG study evaluates organizations across various metrics, such as hiring practices, retention strategies, leadership diversity, flexible working arrangements, parental leave policies, and employee development programs. Insights from the 2024 edition reveal encouraging progress, with women now occupying 26% of board seats in the Top 10 companies, indicating advancements in leadership representation. Furthermore, women make up 26% of the top earners, demonstrating significant strides toward achieving pay equity and enhancing gender diversity in senior leadership roles.
Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Founder-President of Avtar Group, commented on the launch, stating, “The inaugural edition of Best Companies for Women in Gulf (BCWG) provided comprehensive data on advancing women’s representation in the GCC region. It is remarkable to see that the winning companies are not only advocates for women in the workplace but also pioneers for progress in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. For the second edition of BCWG, we invite applications from every organization committed to women’s empowerment and advancement in the GCC region. Through this study, we are excited to contribute to the vision of gender balance and inclusive growth in the region.”
Rajesh referenced a study by New York University, which found that the UAE loses $40 billion annually due to the underrepresentation of women in the workplace. “There is a significant opportunity in a country like the UAE, which values multiculturalism and social inclusion,” she added. Abla Hafez, Human Resources Manager at Gulf Islamic Investments, emphasized the importance of organizations examining their efforts in promoting gender diversity.
Subha V. Barry, President of Seramount, expressed, “Avtar & Seramount are both deeply committed to global diversity and are thrilled with the results of the inaugural Best Companies study in the Gulf region. The data indicates that the Top 10 Companies for Women in the Gulf are passionately committed to gender diversity. Through initiatives such as sponsorship, mentorship, ERG programs, and benefits supporting working mothers, these companies are setting the standard for inclusive progress. At Seramount, we are proud to honor these forward-thinking organizations and look forward to the second edition of BCWG, aiming to raise the bar even higher.”
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