We don’t want to be better, we don’t want to rule the world; we simply want to be perceived as equals in society. My personal interpretation of gender equality is equality in both responsibilities and rights. Whether in general or in the workplace, tasks should be given to the qualified person or candidate regardless of gender.
It’s a scientific fact that women tend to process more with the “right-brain”, which technically makes them more intuitive, creative and great communicators. Men on the other hand are left-brain dominant, which makes them more task-oriented thinkers. That’s why many women succeed in jobs such as human resources, and in the marketing communication field. They are able to express ideas and deal with people more effectively because of that “emotional” side.
One of the drawbacks that women face in the workplace, especially in Egypt, is that gender inequality is still an issue. Women’s participation in the workplace is significantly low. Their participation is only 32% of the population compared to a whopping 68% of men’s participation as indicated by the World Bank.
Some prefer to hire men instead of women because they worry about pregnancy/maternity leave, or due to the stereotype of “a woman should only take care of her home’ or women’s inflexibility when it comes to traveling.
How many female CEO’s have you met? You could probably name them all in a few seconds. Women don’t make it to the position of CEO that easily. They still have to go that extra mile to prove that they are up to it. Did you know that women who currently hold CEO positions in the 2014 USA “Fortune 1000” company ranking are less than 5%?
I do believe in change, yet all stakeholders need to be active in ensuring that change is implemented. Organizations should be more educated and progressive. This should be done through a strong HR system and on-going training for women to provide them with the skill sets that they need in today’s challenging world, for example, “work-life balance”. A clear message should be sent that women not only have the ability to raise families, but also excel and produce impeccable results and contribute to the organization’s success. In other words, having family responsibilities does not interfere with work.
Women themselves have the responsibility of always presenting themselves in a professional, confident and strong manner, and to improve and prove themselves in the workplace regardless of any criticism. Just set the goal and go for it.
Media in all its forms has one of the strongest roles in influencing and empowering women. Just by simply highlighting women with big achievements, and talking about their success stories can make a huge difference. Not only does it motivate other women, but it also spreads the awareness and culture of having successful women, and emphasizes their contribution to the economy.
Gender equality encompasses creating equal opportunities for women, which should be done through improving women’s access to education, healthcare and creating public policies. This is the role of the government, as well as setting policies to help boost the number of working women by setting a minimum number of women to be hired in the workplace.
All stakeholders need to collaborate as women are over 49% percent of the total population, and contribute significantly to the growth of the economy. There will be neither development nor a successful society until women are empowered and treated with equality.
By: Nour Elzeny
EDITOR: Ayam Amin
Photography: Ahmed Samir
About the Author: Ms. Nour is currently the General Manager of the Corporate Communication at Suez Canal Bank. She was the former Regional Communication Manager, MENA region in Arab Radio and TV (ART). In addition, she lectures in leading universities and training institutions in Egypt and in the Middle East (American University in Cairo, Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport, CIC, etc…). She is an instructor and the head of Communication Module, CIES-FIFA Sports Management programme at Cairo University. She is also the founder of The Global HR Forum. She is the head of the Public Relation Committee in Business Women of Egypt 21 Association (BWE 21), and a member of Rotary Club Cairo Royal. She has received several awards: “Model for Egyptian Women” in 2012, “Women Empowerment Award” in 2015, and other appreciations from Rotary District 2451 for supporting youth empowerment.
This article is a product of a writing competition organized by Global HR Forum & HR Revolution Middle-East Magazine. Ms. Nour Elzeny was honorably one of the shortlisted winners in the HR Writer Competition. Judging Panel: Mahmoud Mansi, Dina Marei, Alia Faramawi, Ahmed Saadalla, Nada Adel Sobhi. General Coordinator: Ms. Nour Elzeny.