Dubai, UAE, 09 March 2023 – Eight in 10 women in the UAE workforce highlight that the opportunity to progress to top leadership positions is key for them, with 73 percent feeling they have opportunities to lead at their workplace. This is according to a survey conducted by leading management consulting firm Kearney. The survey reveals 61 percent of UAE’s workforce think more women in leadership roles will positively impact their organization, with 39 percent seeing the future top leader of their current organization to be a woman. The study conducted ahead of International Women’s Day 2023 explored the sentiment around women in leadership positions, the path to progress, and the challenges faced.

The UAE is ranked as a leading country in gender equality in the region, with women making up 66 percent of public-sector workers and 30 percent in leadership roles .^1,2 The past decade has seen multiple policies that support inclusivity and diversity come into play, aimed at facilitating women’s role in the workforce. While there have been positive strides toward a more equitable work environment at a national level, the survey reveals that leaders in the private sector still have work to do to pave the way for female talent.

Eighty-one percent of the women surveyed claim that it’s difficult for them to get the support they need to take on leadership roles. When asked about the challenges faced in the workplace, a quarter (25 percent) of women stated their goals are too ambitious, 21 percent felt the organizational culture at their current workplace does not encourage them to lead, and 18 percent stated they face discrimination by their coworkers.

“The UAE has a strong commitment to empowering women at work for the development of the local economy, as part of We the UAE 2031 Vision, as well as the realization of the UN SDG Goal 5 of achieving gender equality. The policies and host of national initiatives that promote an inclusive and balanced work landscape have been key to driving increased female participation in the workforce and in leadership positions. To support ambitious women aiming to climb the career ladder, business leaders in the private sector have a major responsibility to provide women with the relevant support and training to progress in their careers and open up opportunities for them to take a seat at the leadership table,” commented Isabel Neiva, partner at Kearney Middle East and Africa.

When questioned on how their organization supports their career development, only 26 percent claimed that they receive regular training and development and 22 percent said they are offered opportunities for regular career reviews or promotions.

Having a leadership team that is genuinely committed to diversity and inclusion was flagged as a key priority for 81 percent of respondents (both men and women), emphasizing the important role that current business leaders play in accelerating the achievement of a more diverse and equitable workplace. Sixty-one percent reveal their current organization has diversity, equity, and inclusion targets, including having more women at the board level, however, only 16 percent of those claim that these have been publicly announced. Twenty-seven percent believe the organization does not have such targets, and 12 percent were unsure.

“Diversity, equity, and inclusion are proven pillars of success and provide the basis for future growth of organizations. To accelerate this pace of change, a forward-thinking approach must be instilled from the top of the hierarchy, from the senior leadership team, trickling downward into management teams and the workforce. Setting diversity targets and publicly stating them is an important step toward instilling accountability in organizations to ensure that the leadership team works toward hiring and nurturing female talent to provide them with the tools and opportunities needed to progress,” concluded Chiara Riffaldi, partner at Kearney Middle East and Africa.