Perspectives

ME PoV Spring 2023 issue

The case for diversity and inclusion

   

The case for diversity and inclusion

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About this issue

The case for diversity and inclusion.... a suitable theme to coincide with International Women’s Day, a remarkable day of the year that is celebrated globally on 8 March. And while this holiday celebrates the amazing achievements of women all around the world, it also reflects on a moment in time to highlight the work that still needs to be done in the quest for gender equality and positive change. Harnessing the power of diversity and inclusion in this day and age should be self-evident, yet we still need to push for this ongoing and vital conversation.  

In this latest issue of the ME PoV, we discover how “unlearning” might be just as relevant as “learning” when it comes to individuals playing a part in achieving positive change. In Diversity unplugged: The new generation, author Lamisse Muhtaseb explains that “The role of inclusion in the workplace is beyond that of diversity; it taps into the many components that contribute to the people experience.”The power of emotional intelligence in a tech-savvy world by Arati Marya and Zaynah Vohra posits that emotional intelligence (EQ) can have a powerful impact on an organization’s measurable success and will continue to serve a critical role in ensuring diversity and preventing bias in technology moving forward.In the article Striving for a gender-balanced economy: What challenges does the Middle East need to consider in order to meet SDG 5 objectives? author Daniel Gribbin looks at the strides the Middle East has made on the issue of gender equality, and how, compared to global markets, it still has a great deal to do.In an enlightening interview with Irene Natividad, President of the Global Summit of Women, entitled Women at the forefront: Holding the key to global economic prosperity, we learn about the many issues faced by women in the workforce today and how this powerful clan can truly thrive in a gender inclusive and dynamic environment for utmost economic prosperity.Author Saima Jalal looks at the problematic glass ceiling and finds that “despite gender equality being a topic well publicized, the corporate world remains a notoriously difficult arena for women to advance in, with many struggling to reach senior positions within their organizations,” in That “double” glazed ceiling. The rise of the untapped national talent pool: Inspirational women take the lead by authors Anna Maria Haddad and Layan El Hout find that while it is important to acknowledge that the shifts occurring in the Arab world regarding gender balance are not new, it is only until recently that “these nations have been reaping the fruits of the major legislative and social changes that they have been working incessantly towards.” Mia Buban injects her boost of optimism and positive energy in Women thriving in technology and AI: How we, organizations, and society can drive to increase female representation in today’s digital world. She presents how “by nature, and by design, women have inherent strengths as leaders, nurturers, integrators, influencers, orchestrators, organizers, and innovators – attributes that women should proudly celebrate.”We are proud to offer you this important issue of the Middle East Point of View and hope it instigates much needed conversations to forge forward and work for positive change. ME PoV editorial team


Diversity unplugged

Though “diversity” in the mind of many creates the notion of gender diversity and female empowerment, the term itself characterizes a specific assigned group, whether gender, education, health, ethnicity or generational diversity, to name a few. In all these areas of diversity, a global corporate audience and new generations of talent are waiting for the balance to shift and show greater representation on multiple fronts.


The power of emotional intelligence in a tech-savvy world

As we commemorate and reflect upon International Women's Day 2023, we choose to remember history speckled with important contributions from women all over the world, as well as look ahead to the future of technology and the critical role emotional intelligence (EQ), a metric traditionally viewed as “feminine,” will play.

Striving for a gender balanced economy

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also referred to as the Global Goals, are a collection of 17 interlinked objectives designed to serve as a "shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet now and into the future.”1 While all are important and require concerted efforts and focus with the impeding 2030 completion date, one SDG needs particular focus: the SDG 5 – Gender Equality.


Women at the forefront

As we explore the many topics related to diversity, gender balance, and women in the workplace in this issue of the Middle East Point of View magazine, it only made sense to bring attention to the relevance of the global businesswoman. In this eye-opening interview with Irene Natividad, President of the Global Summit of Women, the premier business and economic forum for women globally, she reflects on the many issues faced today by women in the workforce.

That “double” glazed ceiling

March brought us International Women’s Day… the speeches, the panels, the cookies and the pledges, but despite gender equality as a topic being well publicized, the corporate world remains a notoriously difficult arena for women to advance in, with many struggling to reach senior positions within their organizations.



The rise of the untapped national talent pool

Breaking the glass ceiling has been a challenge for women around the globe, for societal standards and legislative frameworks have hindered a woman’s ability to thrive and prosper in decision-making and leadership spaces. The once alien notion of gender balance is being prioritized in the political and social agendas of the Arab world, …

Women thriving in technology and AI

I have been invited to enough panels and discussion forums to observe how the first questions asked are usually about the challenges women face, especially working in technology. Let me start by first highlighting the biggest realization I have at my age: women rock! By nature, and by design, women have inherent strengths as leaders, integrators, orchestrators, organizers, and innovators – attributes that women should proudly celebrate.

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