Friday 29 March 2024
 
»
 
»
Story

Officials at the event

Challenges facing women in financial sector probed

MANAMA, April 30, 2015

A high-powered round-table discussion on the "Challenges Facing Women in Reaching Positions of Authority in the Financial Sector," was organised yesterday (April 29) by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) in co-operation with the Supreme Council for Women (SCW).

Held at the Bahrain Bourse Auditorium, the session brought together leading female figures from the industry to share their experiences and insights into the obstacles that remain for women in climbing the corporate ladder, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

The round-table was the first in a series of campaign of activities to celebrate and promote the role of ‘Women in the Financial and Banking Sector’ which leads to the main conference on November 30 ‘Women in Finance and Banking’ to be held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and Supreme Council for Women president.

Speakers at the event were Al Salam Bank chairwoman Shaikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, SICO chief executive Najla Al Shirawi, Intellect Resource Management managing partner Sabah Almoayyed, and CBB executive director for corporate services Dr Huda Al Maskati.

The session was moderated by BTV host Ahdeya Ahmed.

"The Constitution of Bahrain has given women the right to work," Shaikha Hessa said.

"We are living in an open society and stable economy that provides woman with the opportunity to achieve their ambitions on the work front while maintaining balance in their family life.

"While this is challenging, I believe we can find solutions through dedicated mentoring programmes for women as well as education and work experience to help them achieve success on both fronts," she said.

According to Almoayyed, there is an opportunity for women to reach executive positions in co-operation with chief executives and through their own hard work, persistence and leadership.

"Financial institutions should also provide a flexible working environment for women taking into account the demands on women's time both in the workplace and from family life.

"The same should also be applied for men," Almoayyed added.

Dr Al Maskati said while women have played an important role in making the kingdom a leading financial centre over the past 50 years, their ascension to top positions remained an anomaly.

"We are pleased to have initiated a series of panel discussions focussing on issues impacting women in the financial and banking sector.

"This session explored the challenges that continue to face women in reaching executive roles.

"It also showcased the experience of industry-leading women who shared their stories and provided valuable insight into how the next generation can overcome obstacles in order to better advance to the executive roles," she added.

CBB Governor Rasheed Al Maraj encouraged chief executives across the financial services sector to review and take into account the recommendations shared at the discussion in order to provide further support for women in the sector and help ensure their success.

In the months leading up to the conference, ahead of the annual Bahraini Women's Day in December, the CBB and SCW have planned a number of events to promote the advancement of women in the sector.

This includes additional panel discussions on the women's role in the industry.

Also, in co-ordination with the banking industry and other financial institutions, training and mentoring programmes have been planned and will soon be announced.

All activities aim to highlight successful women role models in the sector while also seeking to guide career enhancement and development among the new generation of women in finance and banking.

The year-long focus on women in the industry also encourages financial and banking institutions in the kingdom to reinforce their commitment and efforts to apply the principle of equal opportunity in the advancement of women to positions of authority in the industry. - TradeArabia News Service




Tags: Financial | challenges | Women | sector |

More Finance & Capital Market Stories

calendarCalendar of Events

Ads