The Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024 opened its doors today, bringing fresh perspectives on gender equality in the workforce. In an exclusive interview, Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, addressed pressing questions about workplace parity and women’s economic contributions.
Record-Breaking Global Participation
The 2024 Forum marks its largest gathering yet, welcoming participants from 65 countries. Over 3,000 attendees, including government ministers, policymakers, and international organisation representatives, have assembled to shape the future of gender balance in the region.
Women’s Economic Impact in the UAE
The UAE stands out with impressive female workforce participation, reaching 55.4% according to World Bank data. Al Marri highlighted how women are reshaping various sectors:
- Female professionals are advancing across finance, technology, education, and healthcare, contributing to the UAE’s knowledge-based economy transformation
- Women entrepreneurs are launching innovative ventures, creating jobs, and driving economic growth
- Leadership positions increasingly feature women who bring fresh perspectives to decision-making
Addressing Salary Disparities
When questioned about pay differences between men and women, Al Marri acknowledged existing challenges while emphasising solutions:
- Historical biases continue to influence wage structures across industries
- Organisations must implement clear, measurable policies for equal compensation
- Transparent pay systems help eliminate gender-based wage differences
- Fair compensation practices boost workplace productivity and team morale
Forum’s Strategic Focus
The third edition of the Forum builds on previous successes from 2016 and 2020. Key elements include:
- Creating practical frameworks to boost women’s economic participation
- Strengthening public-private partnerships for gender balance initiatives
- Developing actionable strategies for sustainable development
- Breaking down barriers to women’s advancement in various fields
Leadership Insights
Drawing from her personal journey, Al Marri offered guidance for aspiring female leaders:
- Build strong professional networks and seek mentorship opportunities
- View challenges as stepping stones to growth
- Maintain unwavering self-belief while staying grounded in core values
- Balance professional ambitions with clear purpose
The Forum continues to showcase the UAE’s dedication to gender balance, positioning the country as a regional leader in women’s empowerment. Through collaborative efforts between government entities and private sector organisations, the UAE works to create an environment where talent thrives regardless of gender.
JobXDubai 
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