By Razan Akrouk, Chief People & Sustainability Officer at GMG
Too often, conversations about women in leadership, in particular, focus on inclusion as a representational gesture rather than recognising the immense value women bring to the decision-making table. This is not about gender alone. It’s about the insights, innovation, and leadership that diverse voices contribute to the business success.
Creating real opportunities for talent to grow
Across industries, the gender gap in leadership remains one of the most significant hurdles to true equality. According to the World Economic Forum, women still occupy only 31.7% of senior management roles globally, with the pace of change slowing in recent years. This disparity is about missed opportunities for innovation and growth. Studies show that companies with more diverse management teams had higher innovation revenue and offered improved decision-making, more creativity, and a greater ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
In highly diverse teams, employees feel a sense of belonging and acknowledgement. This inclusivity and recognition directly translate into higher levels of engagement that can also lead to boasting EBITDA (Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation).
The conversation today should shift to how companies can be more inclusive – making DE&I part of the company DNA, is essential. As an embedded core proposition, this will automatically enable and foster diverse thinking and create an inclusive workplace.
At GMG, we believe leadership is earned through merit. Our approach is rooted in ensuring that women have the opportunities, mentorship, and workplace policies that allow them to thrive. Through GMG Cares, our comprehensive CSR platform, we are committed to creating meaningful change, not just within our organisation but across the industries we operate in. Under the People pillar of GMG Cares, we have taken tangible steps to empower women, ensuring they have the support, resources, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
One of our key initiatives, EmpowHer Circles, is designed to foster mentorship, connection, and career growth. With women participating across the UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, India, and KSA, these circles provide a platform for open dialogue, shared learning, and support, helping women navigate challenges and seize new opportunities. The impact of such initiatives extends beyond individuals. It creates a ripple effect, inspiring more women to step into leadership roles and advocate for change.
Building a workplace where women can lead – and be heard
At GMG, we are addressing this by putting in place a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, which has set a dedicated agenda over the next two years. This committee is focused on driving structural changes that ensure women at GMG have access to leadership development, career advancement, and policies that support work-life balance. Representation matters, but it is not enough to simply have women in the room – they must be heard, valued, and empowered to shape decisions that drive progress.
A Call to Action: Turning Conversations into Commitments
Diversity in leadership cannot be a one-day discussion. It requires sustained commitment from businesses to remove barriers, challenge biases, and create pathways for everyone to succeed. At GMG, we are embedding this commitment into everything we do, aligning our efforts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the UAE’s national vision. But no single company can create this change alone. True progress comes from collective action.
This year, and every year, the answer must be clear. We are all in.