Sharjah Business Women Council, SBWC, has joined the Pearl Initiative, the leading independent private sector-led, not-for-profit organisation working across the Gulf Region to influence and improve corporate accountability and transparency. As a Pearl Initiative partner, SBWC will work to further encourage gender diversity in GCC workplaces, driving positive change through the implementation of best corporate governance practices.

A signing ceremony to mark the partnership was attended by Ameera BinKaram, Chairperson of SBWC, Imelda Dunlop, Executive Director of the Pearl Initiative, Noura Al Noman, Chairperson of Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi's Executive Office, Sheikha Amal Al Maktoum, SBWC Board Member and Raghda Taryam, Board Member of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, SBWC.

The Diversity in Leadership programme led by the Pearl Initiative emphasises the business case for greater gender diversity at senior levels, as well as delivering insight on the practical ways that companies can incorporate more women in senior management and board positions. Phase one of the programme included the Pearl Initiative's "Women's Careers in the GCC: The CEO Agenda" report, which was launched in early 2015. The report determined the degree to which women are engaged in regional workforces and leadership positions, and examined their attitude towards career advancement to provide advice to companies looking to diversify their senior roles.

In the second phase, the programme will include a case study report examining how best practices are implemented in five regional companies. The case studies will demonstrate how these companies retain and promote high potential women through to senior ranks, to boost gender diversity in leadership teams and on boards.

Ms. BinKaram said, "Involving women at the leadership level is of vital importance to support economic development in Sharjah, the UAE, and the GCC as a whole. On behalf of Sharjah Business Women Council, I am proud that we are now partnered with the Pearl Initiative to promote the best business practices that generate the inclusion of women in leadership roles. We at SBWC always laud the achievements of women who are hardworking, talented and single minded in their perseverance. We are sure that the women in GCC are ready and able to join the international dialogue on governance and show our membership that there are great opportunities open to successful business women who join us."
Source: WAM