DBWC discusses role of diversity
DUBAI: The Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) together with The BIG 5 have recently hosted a webinar entitled ‘The role of diversity and inclusion in transforming the construction industry’.
The online event is the latest in a series of webinars held by the DBWC to discuss pressing topics, motivate women to engage in various economic sectors, accelerate the process of women empowerment in the business community, and provide female entrepreneurs with knowledge and skills they need to enrich their expertise.
Moderated by Marcus Taylor, CEO at Fithedge, the panel discussion had Louise Collins, Head of Engineering & Energy at JLL MENA, Cynthia Corby, Partner, Regional Audit & Assurance COO, Transformation Leader, Regional, Consulting Board member and Middle East Construction Leader at Deloite Middle East and Dr Reem Sabouni, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering at Abu Dhabi University, as guest speakers. The virtual session discussed several important topics including how to atract and retain young talents and new ideas, and can the increasing adoption of advisory positioning by consultants bring more non-construction specific talent to the industry and how will this be received.
The event also touched on how can paternity and maternity leaves play a part in creating a more balanced workplace and help businesses retain talents, promote gender parity and improve economic productivity.
In her opening remarks, Dr Raja Al Gurg, President of the Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC),, stressed that diversity and inclusion should be seen as a long-term strategy thanks to their leverage in the ever-changing work environment. “By the year 2025, 75% of the global workforce will be made up of millennials – who will be responsible for making important decisions that affect workplace cultures and people’s lives. This group has a unique perspective on diversity so the outlook is bright.”
Dr Al Gurg made it clear that to develop effective solutions and enhance diversity and inclusion strategies in businesses, a lot of work needs to be done first to understand the underlying issues and obstacles in the path to progress.