Latest news with #SDG5
Kuwait Times
18-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Burgan Bank reiterates commitment to women empowerment at Kuwait Women's Day Forum
Al-Jasem: 'Fostering diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity' KUWAIT: As part of its unwavering dedication to employee empowerment, gender equity and sustainable development, Burgan Bank recently participated in a forum celebrating Kuwait Women's Day. Representing the Bank at the event, titled 'Strategies to Empower Kuwaiti Women in Accordance with the Fifth Goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5)' and held under the patronage and in the presence of Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah, Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs, was Danah Faisal Al-Jasem – General Manager of Corporate Communications and a group of female leaders at Burgan Bank. Al-Jasem took part in a focused session alongside distinguished female figures to discuss the private sector's role in empowering women, while exploring strategies to help women overcome challenges and barriers in the workplace. Reflecting on her participation in the forum, Al-Jasem said: 'It was a privilege to join a dialogue that reflects the growing momentum around women empowerment in Kuwait, and to contribute to a conversation that aligns so closely with Burgan Bank's core values and Kuwait's Vision 2035.' Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah, Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs honors Burgan Bank for its participation in the forum, represented by Danah AlJasem. A group photo of female leaders at Burgan Bank who participated in Kuwait Women's Day Forum. Danah Faisal AlJasem She also highlighted Burgan's ongoing commitment to gender equity and employee empowerment, saying: 'At Burgan Bank, fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity for long-term success. Driven by our overall ESG strategy, we believe that true equity provides a work environment with equal opportunities and adheres to fulfilling the employees' needs. Accordingly, Burgan Bank actively supports women in the workplace by expanding opportunities for skill development, career advancement, and financial independence, empowering them to grow on a personal level, support their families, and positively impact the wider economy. This commitment is reflected in equal benefits for women and men, flexible working hours, work-life balance initiatives, and additional self-care leave.' Al-Jasem also underscored the importance of translating strategy into measurable progress, highlighting Burgan's achievements in female representation and inclusive workplace practices, noting: 'We view female empowerment as a collaborative effort, shaped by contribution from relevant stakeholders. Within the workplace, we are committed to fostering an environment where women have equal opportunities to thrive and lead. Across society, we actively support initiatives that promote gender equality and provide women with the resources and support they need to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. Women currently represent 46 percent of the Bank's employees and 34 percent of leadership positions, making Burgan Bank a leading financial institution in the local Kuwaiti market. Our current position aligns with the national vision for boosting female representation in public and private sectors.' It is worth mentioning that Burgan Bank continues to invest in initiatives that support the growth of female employees at all levels. In 2024, employees received an average of 33 hours of training, delivered through both digital and in-person platforms. Programs like Empower Her and Lean-In Circle for Women Empowerment provide dedicated mentorship, professional skills, and networking opportunities to help women work toward their goals. Burgan Bank remains committed to enabling more women to pursue leadership positions and guide younger generations of women professionals to follow their lead.
Arab Times
18-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Burgan Bank Reiterates Commitment to Women Empowerment at Kuwait Women's Day Forum
KUWAIT CITY, May 18: As part of its unwavering dedication to employee empowerment, gender equity, and sustainable development, Burgan Bank recently participated in a forum celebrating Kuwait Women's Day. Representing the Bank at the event, titled 'Strategies to Empower Kuwaiti Women in Accordance with the Fifth Goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5)' and held under the patronage and in the presence of H.E. Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs, was Ms. Danah Faisal Al Jasem – General Manager of Corporate Communications and a group of female leaders at Burgan Bank. Al Jasem took part in a focused session along side distinguished female figures to discuss the private sector's role in empowering women, while exploring strategies to help women over come challenges and barriers in the workplace. Reflecting on her participation in the forum, Al Jasem said: 'It was a privilege to join a dialogue that reflects the growing momentum around women empowerment in Kuwait, and to contribute to a conversation that aligns so closely with Burgan Bank's core values and Kuwait's Vision 2035.' She also highlighted Burgan's ongoing commitment to gender equity and employee empowerment, saying: 'At Burgan Bank, fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity for long-term success. Driven by our overall ESG strategy, we believe that true equity provides a work environment with equal opportunities and adheres to fulfilling the employees' needs. Accordingly, Burgan Bank actively supports women in the workplace by expanding opportunities for skill development, career advancement, and financial independence, empowering them to grow on a personal level, support their families, and positively impact the wider economy. This commitment is reflectedin equal benefits for women and men, flexible working hours, work-life balance initiatives, and additional self-care leave.' Ms. AlJasem also underscored the importance of translating strategy into measurable progress, highlighting Burgan's achievements in female representation and inclusive workplace practices, noting: 'We view female empowerment as a collaborative effort, shaped by contribution from relevant stakeholders. Within the workplace, we are committed to fostering an environment where women have equal opportunities to thrive and lead. Across society, we actively support initiatives that promote gender equality and provide women with the resources and support they need to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. Women currently represent46% of the Bank's employeesand 34% of leadership positions, making Burgan Bank a leading financial institution in the local Kuwaiti market. Our current position aligns with the national vision for boosting female representation in public and private sectors.' It is worth mentioning that Burgan Bank continues to invest in initiatives that support the growth of female employees at all levels. In 2024, employees received an average of 33 hours of training, delivered through both digital and in-person platforms. Programs like Empower Her and Lean-In Circle for Women Empowerment provide dedicated mentorship, professional skills, and networking opportunities to help women work toward their goals. Burgan Bank remains committed to enabling more women to pursue leadership positions and guide younger generations of women professionals to follow their lead.
Business Recorder
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Telenor Pakistan wins OICCI Women Empowerment Award
ISLAMABAD: Telenor Pakistan has been honoured with the prestigious OICCI Women Empowerment Award in the category of Work-Life Balance and Integration at the 7th OICCI Women Empowerment Awards. Organised by the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI), the awards celebrate corporate leadership in advancing gender equality and empowering women, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5). The OICCI Women Empowerment Awards have become a flagship event, spotlighting organizations that are driving real change through progressive policies, impactful programs, and a strong commitment to fostering women's leadership and inclusion in the workplace. Commenting on the achievement, Areej Khan, chief people officer at Telenor Pakistan, said: 'We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from OICCI. Our focus on work-life balance, flexible policies, and continuous support mechanisms enables our employees, to seamlessly integrate their personal and professional aspirations. This award reaffirms our dedication to cultivating a diverse and equitable workplace where everyone has the opportunity to lead, inspire, and thrive.' As a modern and inclusive workplace, Telenor Pakistan is advancing gender empowerment through initiatives that support women at every stage of their careers. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hindustan Times
12-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Nursing the nation: Policy must be in sync with practice
International Nurses Day is a timely reminder to celebrate nurses and push for structural reforms that empower the profession. In the spirit of the Prime Minister's call for women-led development, India's nursing workforce stands out as a living example of how a single profession can drive gender equity, economic advancement, and social progress—all at once. The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has aptly chosen the 2025 theme: Our nurses. Our future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies. This theme underscores a growing global consensus—when we invest in nurses, we not only secure the health of our people but also stimulate economic resilience and gender parity. With over 70% of India's nurses being women, nursing remains one of the largest conduits for women's participation in the formal workforce. India currently has approx. 1.96 nurses per 1,000 people, far below the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended ratio of 3. To meet rising healthcare needs, estimates suggest India requires over two million additional nurses. Nursing offers women more than just employment—it offers education, financial independence, and the dignity of purpose. It is a pathway to upward mobility, often in communities where opportunities for women are limited. The nurse's role today goes far beyond bedside care—she leads community outreach, advocates for patients, implements protocols, and navigates digital systems. These are the very qualities that define leadership. Nurses contribute significantly to India's health care indices—supporting maternal and child health, managing non-communicable diseases, and strengthening rural access. Their impact directly advances the country's commitments under SDG 3 (Good Health) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). With the health care sector projected to reach $ 372 billion by 2025, nurses form the operational backbone—improving patient outcomes, reducing systemic strain, and enabling economic productivity through healthier communities. While many nurses continue to face challenges like long hours, health risks, and unsafe workplaces, some institutions are setting new standards. Apollo Hospitals has implemented the Pink Book—a framework outlining tangible safety protocols such as panic buttons, staff-only zones, mental health support, and zero-tolerance harassment policies. These measures foster a workplace culture that prioritises dignity and protection. Apollo has also launched a large-scale initiative to upskill thousands of nurses, covering clinical specialisations, leadership, digital fluency, and career mentoring. To support clinical staff further, the group has begun deploying AI-powered tools that reduce administrative burden—automating documentation, improving triage, and freeing up nurses to focus on care. Together, these interventions show how institutional leadership can align with ICN's global agenda in a local context. While institutional best practices matter, structural transformation depends on robust policy backing. India's National Health Policy 2017 and Ayushman Bharat both acknowledge the need to strengthen the health workforce—yet bottlenecks remain. To close the shortfall of over two million nurses, India must significantly expand nursing education, including through public-private partnerships that improve training quality and reach. Nurse practitioner and midwifery-led models must be fast-tracked to build advanced capacity in community settings. Equally, the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Act (2023) must be implemented effectively across states, standardising accreditation and elevating clinical standards. India must also create career progression pathways that enable nurses to move into leadership roles—not only within hospitals, but also in public health administration, health education, and digital innovation. State governments can partner with leading academic institutions to offer advanced certifications in areas such as geriatric care, mental health, and oncology nursing. These specialised roles are becoming increasingly essential with India's ageing population and rising non-communicable disease burden. Moreover, investing in nurses' digital literacy is no longer optional. As health systems become increasingly tech-enabled, nurses must be equipped to use electronic health records, digital triage systems, and remote monitoring tools. With the right training, nurses can lead digital adoption at the last mile, particularly in rural and underserved regions where doctors are scarce but mobile networks are strong. Financial and professional incentives—such as rural retention bonuses, housing assistance, and leadership fellowships—will be key to attracting and retaining talent. Most importantly, nurses must have a voice in policymaking. Their representation in health governance at the district, state, and national levels is essential to ensure that real-world caregiving challenges inform decisions. India's health care goals—whether preventive care, universal access, or digital health—cannot be achieved without a strong nursing foundation. We must scale successful models, sustain investments, and ensure every nurse is equipped, protected, and respected. Imagine nurses leading innovation labs, drafting clinical protocols, and shaping public health strategy. This vision is not aspirational—it is within reach, if we choose to prioritise nursing as a national imperative. This article is authored by Dr Girdhar Gyani, director general, Association of Healthcare Providers (India).
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Advancing Gender Equality in Africa: Key Outcomes from the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-11) Gender Forum
During the 11th session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-11), UN Women hosted the Gender Forum bringing together key stakeholders to spotlight Africa's progress on gender equality, identify enduring gaps, and foster collaboration for accelerated action. Grounded in the aspirations of SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and the African Union's Agenda 2063, the forum served as a platform for dialogue, innovation, and shared commitment to an inclusive and sustainable future. The forum reaffirmed gender equality as a critical enabler of inclusive economic growth and sustainable development. Stakeholders emphasized that gender-responsive policies and targeted investments are essential to ensuring women and girls benefit equitably from Africa's development agenda. Endless possibilities to advance gender equality It is critical to consider strategic investments in education—especially for adolescent girls- as this sets a foundation for diverse opportunities in future. This is also a step into the right direction as women are prepared for emerging opportunities in green and digital economies. Women's leadership was recognized as central to driving transformative change. Participants stressed the importance of representation in decision-making across all sectors. Discussions highlighted the need to embed gender-responsive budgeting in critical sectors like energy, transport, agriculture, and technology. Emphasis was placed on ensuring equitable access and inclusive development in traditionally male-dominated industries. It was clear that persistent challenges such as lack of access to land, financial exclusion, and gender pay gaps hinder progress as women are excluded in land ownership are greatly set back by gender pay gap and, in some instances, hindered from progressing because of unpaid care work. It was unanimously indicated that advocacy efforts focusing on recognizing, redistributing, and rewarding unpaid care work must be strengthened across the continent. There is value in recognizing the importance of engaging male allies and addressing societal stereotypes. One of the ways this could be achieved includes changing workplace cultures and perceptions which is a collective responsibility from leadership through to individual contributors from different sectors. How can the gender digital divide be closed? By considering digital inclusion as a driver for economic empowerment and calling for urgent action to enhance women's access to digital tools and technologies. Another critical aspect discussed by the speakers was the importance of gender-disaggregated data and tools like the Africa Gender Index for tracking progress and shaping effective policies. Coordinated efforts among governments, UN agencies, civil society, and the private sector were deemed essential to scaling impact which includes strategic partnerships and shared accountability. The forum advocated for innovative financing mechanisms, including public-private partnerships and non-traditional funding streams to sustain progress. Ensuring the meaningful participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in development efforts was highlighted as a key priority. Empowerment and protection go hand-in-hand: participants linked gender equality with efforts to end violence against women and girls, stressing its role in driving broader transformation. A major outcome of the forum was a call to mainstream gender considerations in all sectors, including infrastructure, urban planning, and transport. Participants emphasized that gender-responsive design and policy are essential to creating inclusive, safe, and accessible spaces for all—especially women and marginalized groups. With the current global context posing threats to previous gains, the forum urged decision-makers to keep gender equality at the center of heavily funded programs, ensuring no reversal in progress. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women - Africa.
