More integration of women in local ecosystem urged

60% Better performance by female-led business than men

dubai — Longer maternity leaves, women’s reintegration into the workplace after childbirth, education and skills development and more funding for femaleowned businesses are imperative to not only ensuring a woman’s professional success, but will ensure economies in the region for better performance and returns, panellists at Sharjah FDI Forum said on Tuesday.

“We have made great strides in girls’ education and training, however, if we look at maternity leaves, the statistics are absolutely shocking across the world — apart from the Nordic countries, which offers up to three years will almost full pay and a guarantee of returning to one’s job. If I’m a working mother in the UAE, all I am allowed is 45 days,” said Najat Benchiba Savenius, chief executive officer, Gazelle Advisory. “I really urge local and regional governments, to change public policy and make governance more attractive to women, so she won’t have to choose between having a family and a job,” Savenius said. Statistically, female-owned and led enterprises do 60 per cent better for investors than those founded by men.

Jessica Wardel, Managing Partner, M&C Saatchi said there are some really interesting stereotypes that manifest themselves when it comes to describing success.