Latest news with #Women'sEmpowermentPrinciples
Mid East Info
23-07-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Emirates NBD Signs UN Women's Empowerment Principles, Reinforcing Commitment to Women's Leadership - Middle East Business News and Information
Dubai, UAE,July 2025: Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT) region, has officially signed the United Nations Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) further affirming its commitment to advancing female empowerment and leadership. Emirates NBD's long-term goal is to ensure that 25% of all leadership positions are held by women by 2027. This pledge follows a series of strategic initiatives that aim at accelerating gender equality while maintaining global standards for female representation across its workforce. Shayne Nelson, Group CEO at Emirates NBD, said: 'Signing the UN Women's Empowerment Principles provides further momentum to the impressive efforts we have undertaken here at Emirates NBD to champion women in the workplace. Empowering women at every level of Emirates NBD is something we are deeply committed to. Looking forward, we will continue to accelerate our action to increase female leadership, achieve gender equality at all levels and encourage more women to pursue careers in banking.' Dr. Mouza Al Shehhi, Director of the UN Women GCC Liaison Office, commented: 'We are delighted to welcome Emirates NBD as a signatory to the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs). This commitment reflects the Bank's dedication to advancing gender equality and fostering an inclusive workplace culture. Importantly, it mirrors a strong shift nationwide toward embedding gender parity within its national development agenda. As the UAE accelerates its journey towards a knowledge-based and sustainable economy, empowering women across all sectors is not just a social imperative, it is a strategic enabler of innovation, resilience, and long-term prosperity. We look forward to supporting Emirates NBD in implementing the WEPs framework and continuing its journey towards empowering women across all levels of the organisation.' Eman Abdulrazzaq, Group Chief Operating Officer and Group Chief Human Resources Officer at Emirates NBD, said: 'By signing the UN Women's Empowerment Principles, we demonstrate our dedication to advancing gender equality, particularly our goal of ensuring that 25% of leadership roles are held by women by 2027. Our initiatives, including an expanded maternity policy, flexible working arrangements, and the Career Comeback Programme, are designed to create an inclusive environment where women can thrive and reach their full potential. We are already seeing positive outcomes, with women representing over 40% of our global workforce. This exceeds global benchmarks, and we will continue to invest in initiatives that foster female leadership.' Vijay Bains, Chief Sustainability Officer and Group Head of ESG at Emirates NBD, commented: 'Women represent half of the world population and investing in their empowerment plays a huge role in advancing gender equality and inclusive economic growth. As a key participant in the economic ecosystem, banks have immense influence in making a change towards women empowerment. At Emirates NBD, we are proud to act as an agent that enables employment and share of voice of women in the community. We strongly believe that when women have access to resources and opportunities, they can positively influence societal development.' To support female empowerment and leadership, Emirates NBD has introduced a variety of pioneering initiatives, including: • Expanding its maternity policy and introducing paternity and adoption leave • Offering flexible work options, allowing employees to work remotely within the UAE • Launching the Career Comeback Programme, facilitating the reintegration of women returning to the workforce after a career break • Providing targeted training and leadership development opportunities for women, alongside bank-wide training on unconscious bias • Signing global initiatives such as the UAE Gender Balance Pledge in 2023 and integrating the UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality into our sustainability strategy • Implementing female-focused facilities across our offices including dedicated parking, breastfeeding areas, and women's social networking programmes These initiatives not only underscore Emirates NBD's leadership in promoting female empowerment but also set the foundation for continued progress toward achieving its gender equality objectives. The WEPs offer guidance to businesses on advancing gender equality and empowering women in the workplace, marketplace, and community. Developed by UN Women and the UN Global Compact, the WEPs are aligned with international labor and human rights standards and emphasise the role businesses play in fostering gender equality. By joining the WEPs, Emirates NBD reaffirms its commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, working collaboratively with other stakeholders to promote business practices that empower women. About Emirates NBD: Emirates NBD (DFM: Emirates NBD) is a leading banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye) region with a presence in 13 countries, serving over 9 million active customers. As at 31st March 2025, total assets were AED 1 trillion, (equivalent to approx. USD 272 billion). The Group has operations in the UAE, Egypt, India, Türkiye, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, Russia and Bahrain and representative offices in China and Indonesia with a total of 839 branches and 4,539 ATMs / SDMs. Emirates NBD is the leading financial services brand in the UAE with a Brand value of USD 4.54 billion. Emirates NBD Group serves its customers (individuals, businesses, governments, and institutions) and helps them realise their financial objectives through a range of banking products and services including retail banking, corporate and institutional banking, Islamic banking, investment banking, private banking, asset management, global markets and treasury, and brokerage operations. The Group is a key participant in the global digital banking industry with 97% of all financial transactions and requests conducted outside of its branches. The Group also operates Liv, the lifestyle digital bank by Emirates NBD, with close to half a million users, it continues to be the fastest-growing bank in the region. Emirates NBD contributes to the construction of a sustainable future as an active participant and supporter of the UAE's main development and sustainability initiatives, including financial wellness and the inclusion of people of determination. Emirates NBD is committed to supporting the UAE's Year of Sustainability as Principal Banking Partner of COP28 and an early supporter to the Dubai Can sustainability initiative, a city-wide initiative aimed to reduce use of single-use plastic bottled water.
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Structural barriers still hindering Malaysian women from economic participation: Nurul Izzah
KUALA LUMPUR: Despite Malaysia's progress in women's education, structural inequalities from algorithmic bias to unpaid care burdens continue to obstruct women from participating in the economy, said leaders at the World Women Economic and Business Summit 2025 today. Former special adviser to the finance minister Nurul Izzah Anwar said systemic barriers, including unpaid care responsibilities and emerging digital biases, are keeping millions of Malaysian women out of the labour force despite rising education levels. 'As of 2022, women's labour force participation remains at 55.8%, well below the government's 60% target and far behind the 82% participation rate for men,' she said. 'Millions of women are absent from the workforce not because of a lack of ambition or talent, but because of the disproportionate burden of caregiving that still falls on their shoulders.' Citing a 2018 Khazanah Research Institute Time Use Study, Nurul Izzah noted that Malaysian women spend over 60% more time on unpaid care work compared to men. Globally, women carry out 76.4% of such work, often without institutional recognition. She stressed that reforms must go beyond quotas and visibility to address deeper issues of economic valuation and structural support. 'We must reimagine how our economy values care, how society shares responsibility, and how businesses define success, not merely by profits, but by purpose,' she said. 'Our brilliance must be matched with a moral compass.' Nurul Izzah also raised concerns about gender bias in artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for employment, finance and legal systems. 'Current AI systems, used in job matching, credit assessments and facial recognition, often replicate historical gender biases embedded in the data they are trained on,' she said. 'We need diverse datasets, regular bias audits and cross-sector cooperation to ensure tech development is inclusive from the ground up.' Deputy Director-General of Education (Policy and Curriculum) Dr Rusmini Ku Ahmad said Malaysia has achieved near-universal access to education for girls, with female enrolment surpassing males in public universities. Yet, this has not translated into economic equality. 'Despite leading in educational attainment, only 56.2% of women are in the workforce. Closing this gap could raise Malaysia's per capita income by more than 25%,' she said. To address this, the Education Ministry is supporting gender-responsive workplace policies in collaboration with the private sector. In May, Malaysia launched the inaugural Women's Empowerment Principles Corporate Action Lab, providing companies with a global framework to build inclusive work environments. Additionally, the newly established Asia Women's Economic Empowerment Centre in Kuala Lumpur will spearhead gender-inclusive policies across the region, including better access to finance for women-led micro, small and medium enterprises. Rusmini called on all sectors, including government, business, education, and families, to challenge outdated norms and actively build environments where women can thrive. 'Every investment in women's education is an investment in Malaysia's economic competitiveness,' she said. 'We are not just building tomorrow's leaders, we're building tomorrow's economy.'
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Move to boost women hires catching on
KUALA LUMPUR: Government tax incentives aimed at encouraging the hiring of women returning to the workforce and promoting flexible work policies are gaining traction among employers, said TalentCorp chairperson Wong Shu Qi. Wong said although official data has yet to be released, the agency has seen a surge in enquiries from companies keen to take advantage of the incentives. 'Last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced additional 50% tax incentives under Budget 2025 to encourage employers to hire women returning to work, adopt flexible work arrangements and provide paid caregiver leave. 'However, these incentives are in the process of being gazetted before full implementation.' She said to close the gender pay gap, the government is offering a one-year income tax exemption for women re-entering the workforce, part of a broader push to boost female labour participation. Speaking after launching Malaysia's first Women's Empowerment Principles (WEP) Corporate Action Lab yesterday, Wong said the policy would remain in place until 2027 as part of ongoing efforts. 'We will be announcing the full incentive mechanism soon. Once that is in place, more companies will come forward and we will be able to collect clearer data on women returning to work.' Earlier, theSun reported a need for greater salary transparency and stricter enforcement of fair pay to address gender wage disparities. Women's Aid Organisation executive director Nazreen Nizam highlighted that the absence of legislation mandating equal pay for work of equal value has allowed gender wage gaps to persist unchecked across various sectors. She stressed that Malaysia must roll out clear legal frameworks, backed by enforcement and penalties, to ensure pay equity. Wong said narrowing the gender pay gap is not the sole responsibility of any one agency as it also requires active participation from the private sector. 'A wide pay gap not only hampers economic growth but also shifts hidden costs to families. Tax relief policies are a start but they must be part of a broader strategy. 'There is no one-size-fits-all solution but businesses must understand that hiring more women delivers long-term returns. Failing to do so ultimately hurts the economy and individual companies.' She also reaffirmed TalentCorp's commitment to building pathways that empower women to balance careers and caregiving, aligned with the national target of 60% female labour participation. UN Women, LeadWomen and TalentCorp have launched the WEP, which is an initiative to guide companies in adopting gender-responsive strategies and creating more equitable workplaces. 'Malaysia's female labour participation has remained stagnant at around 56%. We have been working with policymakers and partners to push that number forward,' said Wong. Australian High Commission to Malaysia political and economic counsellor Clare Gatehouse said the proportion of women in senior management and board roles dropped from 40.4% in 2023 to 36.5% this year. 'Despite equal or higher levels of education, Malaysian women earn about 80% of what men make in similar roles.' To support change, Australia has worked with the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry to strengthen Malaysia's care economy, including by developing policies to improve the quality of care services for workers and users. 'Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri believes family-friendly workplaces and a strong care sector are crucial to achieving gender parity. Without focused action, we will not see these numbers improve,' she said.
Kuwait Times
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait highlights women's rights gains 20 years after suffrage
UN lauds Kuwait's progress, urges further empowerment KUWAIT: Women across Kuwait marked twenty years since they secured full political rights on Thursday. Speaking at an event held the same day, Minister of Social Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah recognized the milestone, highlighting the influence of Kuwaiti women across various fields. 'Kuwaiti women have proven themselves as vital pillars of national development, achieving success that has placed them at the forefront of progress and contribution,' she said during a forum titled 'Strategies to Support Kuwaiti Women in Line with Sustainable Development Goal 5,' held in collaboration with the UN office in Kuwait on Thursday. Today, Kuwaiti women make up 60 percent of the public sector workforce, 48 percent in the private sector, and 28 percent of leadership roles in state institutions, Al-Huwailah noted. In traditionally male-dominated sectors, they're also making strides—54 percent of employees at the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation are women, and 41 percent of leadership roles at the Central Bank of Kuwait are held by women. These gains haven't gone unnoticed. Kuwait's global ranking on the Women, Peace, and Security Index has risen to 62nd, and the gender gap has narrowed by ten points. Kuwait also became the first Gulf country to adopt the Women's Empowerment Principles in 2023, setting a new benchmark for the region. Laws amendments But progress isn't just about numbers. Al-Huwailah pointed to recent key legislative reforms that dismantled systemic injustice, including the recent repeal of Articles 153 and 182 of the Kuwaiti Penal Code. Article 153 had effectively legalized honor killings, allowing men to receive minimal sentences for murdering female relatives under the guise of 'protecting family honor.' Article 182 had let kidnappers, rapists included, walk free if they married their victims. The abolition of these laws was a turning point, aligning Kuwait's legal framework with constitutional guarantees of justice, equality and human dignity. Ghada Al-Taher, UN Resident Coordinator and Representative of the Secretary-General, emphasized that Kuwait's progress is being recognized internationally. During the 2025 Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the Human Rights Council commended the country for policies aimed at protecting women from violence, promoting economic independence, and expanding women's decision-making power. Education has become a powerful lever for transformation in Kuwait. According to UNESCO's 2024 data, Kuwait has nearly eradicated female illiteracy, with more women enrolling in STEM fields than ever before—positions that are vital to building a knowledge-driven economy. Women leaders In business, Kuwaiti women are reshaping the narrative. With state-backed initiatives supporting women entrepreneurs, more women now lead successful ventures. Some have gained international recognition, including Dr Faiza Al-Kharafi, the first woman to lead a university in the Middle East, and Sara Akbar, who was instrumental in extinguishing Kuwait's oil well fires after liberation. Both have been named among Forbes' 100 Most Powerful Women in the World, alongside others who continue to break ground in business, science, and public service. She also highlighted ongoing efforts to empower women with disabilities, with the Public Authority for Persons with Disabilities pushing initiatives to integrate this group into the workforce and provide access to specialized support. Despite these gains, Al-Taher acknowledged that deep-rooted challenges remain. 'We can't ignore the societal barriers that still prevent women and girls from fully realizing their potential,' she said. 'Achieving full empowerment requires relentless commitment—not just from the state but from every sector.' The UN reaffirmed its pledge to support Kuwait in reviewing legislation, expanding women-focused programs, and driving initiatives that place women at the center of national development—steps crucial to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 and ensuring no woman or girl is left behind.
The Citizen
27-04-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
What Freedom Day means to a young black businesswoman
'Freedom Day reminds us that political liberation must be backed by social, economic, and environmental freedom." As South Africa celebrates Freedom Day on Sunday – marking 31 years of a transition from apartheid to constitutional democracy – to entrepreneur Nombulelo Malinga, the day is about a commitment to building businesses that are 'aligned with purpose and sustainability'. In an interview with The Citizen, the 34-year-old founder and CEO of Zizi Digital, maintains that freedom means 'shaping a communications company that is unapologetically young, black, female-led and deeply committed to driving positive change across South Africa and the continent'. 'Freedom means we get to choose differently. We are free to create businesses that don't just chase profit, but build a better and sustainable world,' says Malinga Shaping the future Based in South Africa's economic hub, Johannesburg, Zizi Digital is leading a new generation of thinkers, storytellers, and digital strategists who believe that success is 'no longer just about commercial milestones – it's about aligning brands to a higher calling'. At the core of the company's work, is a deep commitment to supporting public and private sector initiatives, aligned with the United Nations' (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The agency specialises in behavioural change communications across South Africa and the African continent, focusing on campaigns that encourage meaningful shifts in communities and industries. 'This reflects a new kind of freedom – the ability not only to speak, but to influence, educate and inspire action in a world that urgently needs sustainable solutions. 'As a signatory to the Women's Empowerment Principles, supported by UN Global Compact and UN Women, we urge other organisations to align with the SDGs – recognising their critical importance in tackling South Africa's biggest challenges, from inequality to climate change. 'Freedom Day reminds us that political liberation must be backed by social, economic and environmental freedom. 'Our generation has the opportunity and the responsibility to actively shape that future,' says Malinga. ALSO READ: Malema condemns SA's 'incomplete freedom' during Brandfort Freedom Day rally Leadership values To Malinga, leadership includes 'a conscious responsibility towards the environment'. With a strong environmental policy in place, the agency prioritises sustainable practices in its operations – affirming that 'true freedom includes securing the health of the planet for generations to come'. In 2024, Zizi Digital earned a recognition as 'Top Gender Empowered Company' by Standard Bank. This honour, says Malinga, 'highlights the agency's commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion and leadership that breaks barriers – all vital elements in creating a truly free and equitable society'. With its rallying cry 'get the conversation going', Malinga says the company is proving that communications 'can be a powerful tool for change'. 'By blending creativity with intention, the team is using the freedoms of today to create a legacy where leadership is dynamic, diverse and transformative. 'We are not just building a brand, but rewriting what it looks like to lead in South Africa and Africa – young, black, female and purpose-driven,' she says. As South Africa – from Verwoerd to Nelson Mandela – reflects on the meaning of Freedom Day, Malinga has pledged to remind society that 'freedom is not the end of the journey, but the beginning'. NOW READ: Freedom Day: 'SA a free and sovereign country, not a province of US,' Mantashe says [VIDEOS]
