DUBAI: Achieving meaningful outcomes and measuring progress in breaking down systemic barriers to women’s economic participation requires serious intentionality and commitment, experts said during a panel discussion on ‘Accelerating Women’s Economic Empowerment: Future Trends’ at the Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024.
According to Emirates News Agency, the panellists at the session included Fatima Al Nuaimi, Executive Vice President, Downstream Business Management, ADNOC; Ana Kreacic, Chief Knowledge Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Oliver Wyman Forum; and Nathalie Akon Gabala, Global Director of Gender and Economic Inclusion, IFC. The session was moderated by the Editor-in-Chief of The National, Mina Al-Oraibi.
Nathalie Akon Gabala emphasized the need for commitment in achieving outcomes and measuring progress, noting that progress has been slow due to a lack of coordination and an integrated, holistic approach. Ana Kreacic highlighted the necessity of intent and senior leadership vision, acknowledging
the significant shift in opportunities for women in various countries and organizations.
Fatima Al Nuaimi shared her experience at ADNOC, highlighting the major shifts in women’s participation in the oil and gas industry. She noted that technological advancements have made it possible for women to work on offshore platforms, a change from the environment of the 70s and 80s. ADNOC now employs nearly 1,000 women professionals working on both onshore and offshore sites.
Kreacic stressed the importance of measuring women’s representation at all levels, from entry to senior management, to develop strategies for increasing women in leadership roles. She pointed out the global and regional talent gaps and the necessity of integrating more women into the workforce. Kreacic emphasized the importance of providing women with the best career pathways and upskilling them for future roles that are evolving with technology.