A meeting room can only offer the ideas of those sat within it – if everyone in the room is of a similar background, each idea put forward is likely to be identical. By promoting diversity, institutions can escape the shackles of homogenous thinking. The diversity of those in the room and their different backgrounds and experiences lead to growth and innovation. Investing in women is the right decision and the wise business decision. A diverse workforce results in a more significant number of perspectives and insights. That is why the increased presence of women in the workforce often translates to increased innovation, problem-solving capabilities, resilience, and adaptability in the institutions in which they are part.
In essence, emphasising the importance of gender parity by implementing institutional policies that embrace inclusivity and provide environments within which women can grow and excel is a strategic move that propels institutions toward accelerated progress and provides them with a competitive edge in today’s dynamic markets. An investment in diversity is an investment in the future of your institution, the future of society, and the future of the world.
Views expressed by Dr. Hanadi Kadbey, Head of Institutional Research and Effectiveness Department, Emirates College for Advanced Education, Abu Dhabi, UAE
