Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the largest industrial company in the UAE outside oil and gas, is recognising International Women’s Day with special sessions led by EGA female engineers for female engineering students at UAE universities to encourage the pursuit of careers in the country’s industrial sector.

 

The sessions will take place at American University of Sharjah and Higher Colleges of Technology.

EGA is aiming to increase the proportion of women in supervisory roles to 25 per cent by 2025, compared to around 20 per cent today. EGA currently employs more than 400 women around the world, in roles ranging from shift technicians to Executive leadership.

 

Young UAE national engineers and professionals working at EGA regularly engage with university students through EGA’s Ambassador Programme, explaining the application of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in industry.  

 

The UAE has one of the highest proportions of women studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics of any country. However, despite these subjects being critical for the achievement of the UAE’s Operation 300bn industrial growth objectives, many students – both women and men – ultimately choose careers in other sectors.

 

EGA Chief Executive Officer, Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, said: “Gender diversity drives business performance. That is why increasing the proportion of women in our workforce at EGA is a priority for our company and for me personally. We are taking action at every level – from ensuring we have facilities for women throughout our operations, to participating in a programme to prepare women for Board-level roles. Encouraging young women studying STEM subjects into industry – potentially even at EGA – is part of this work and a great way to mark International Women’s Day.”

 

Amna Al Samaiti, a Process Efficiency Engineer at EGA and an EGA Ambassador, said: “Not too long ago, I too was an engineering student thinking about future career paths. I chose to contribute to the development of our nation by applying my engineering skills at EGA, a national industrial champion and pioneer of economic diversification. I am looking forward to explaining my choice to younger women, and talking about the tremendous opportunities and responsibilities we have in the industrial sector of this country.” 

 

EGA is a partner of Aurora50, a UAE initiative to build the pipeline of women with the required experience for board-level positions. EGA has also established the EGA Women’s Network, a forum for women at all levels of the company to share their achievements and challenges, and to develop and grow together.--TradeArabia News Service