Women in leadership roles have faced numerous challenges in their professional careers, including bias, discrimination, and lack of representation. Entrepreneur Emma Burdett, who has experienced firsthand the obstacles women face, established Women in Leadership Deliver (WILD) to support and empower women in leadership positions. The Ministry of Economy’s recent mandate to allocate at least one seat for women on private joint-stock companies’ board of directors has been welcomed by many female business leaders in the UAE, as it aims to address the underrepresentation of women at the board level.
Despite the positive response from female entrepreneurs, a WhatsApp poll conducted by Khaleej Times revealed that over 2,500 people were against the move, arguing that positions should be based on merit rather than gender. Vasudha Khandeparkar, an artificial intelligence director, emphasized the importance of being invited to the table to showcase one’s merit, as women often face barriers and biases that prevent them from advancing in their careers. She shared her personal experience of being passed over for a promotion due to being on maternity leave, even though she was upskilling herself during that time.
Erika Blazeviciute Doyle, founder of Drink Dry, highlighted the biases she has faced as a woman in the business world, which often stem from societal perceptions based on gender, age, and appearance. Mariska Stoffel, an architect and project management professional, echoed similar sentiments, noting the scrutiny and biases women face when pursuing leadership roles. She emphasized the importance of addressing systemic barriers that hinder qualified women from progressing in their careers and advocated for equal opportunities for all capable candidates.
The prevalence of biases in professional environments, especially in the era of technology, has sparked a conversation about the importance of addressing and eliminating such biases. Vasudha cited the example of the Amazon hiring tool, which inadvertently excluded female candidates due to its biased screening process. The business leaders noted the significance of filling leadership positions with deserving individuals rather than resorting to tokenism, which can impact women’s psychological well-being.
Emma Burdett emphasized the need for proper regulation of quotas to ensure that women are not just added for the sake of balance but are recognized for their skills and contributions. She also announced the launch of a new initiative called ‘Women on Boards’ to help companies source talent and upskill women to be board-ready. Mariska advocated for the implementation of quotas to bring diverse voices to the table where decisions are made, believing that gradual conversations and changes will ultimately lead to a more inclusive and equitable business environment. Erika emphasized the crucial role of gender diversity in leadership positions, as it can lead to tangible results and lasting changes in policies.
