Arabian Business, on Thursday, held the 2023 edition of the Women in Business conference, uniting a remarkable cohort of influential businesswomen, entrepreneurs, and humanitarians hailing from the GCC.
In a panel discussion, prominent figures such as Salma Aboul-Ela, Managing Director of LITE Development; Prof. Dame Heather McGregor, Provost & Vice President, Herriot-Watt University Dubai; Meher Mirchandani, Director, Manrre Logistics and Basma Ashry, CEO, Business Incorporation Zone discussed diversity, inclusion and overcoming unconscious bias, the esteemed panel voiced their perspectives on this important issue.
Real estate is a male-dominated industry
“The real estate industry is a male-dominated industry,” said Aboul-Ela.
In a male-dominated industry such as real estate, professionals are increasingly recognising the pervasive presence of unconscious bias. Experts and industry leaders are now advocating for a neutral and inclusive approach to eliminate bias and promote gender equality.
Aboul-Ela acknowledged the existence of unconscious bias in every individual. She believes that creating an easily accessible and neutral process can help eliminate bias in the industry. By implementing such a system, she envisions a level playing field for everyone, irrespective of gender or any other characteristic.
McGregor emphasised the significance of non-verbal communication, stating that 85 percent of communication is non-verbal. Expressing her disapproval of including photographs on CVs, she believes that people tend to make judgments based on appearance alone. In her interviews, McGregor consciously tries to shut her eyes and focus on the candidate’s verbal communication, ensuring that she evaluates them purely on merit and ability.
“You’ve got to recruit blind and promote blind,” she asserts, highlighting the importance of eliminating bias throughout the entire employment process.
Meher Mirchandani, an influential figure in the field of diversity and inclusion, stresses that everyone possesses cognitive biases that deepen if left unaddressed. Recognising the cultural bias against women in Indian society, Mirchandani emphasises the need to challenge preconceived notions and provide new perspectives. As a leader, she takes it upon herself to train her team to see beyond traditional beliefs and break down gender-related biases.
Mirchandani shares her experience of supporting a female leader on her team who desired flexibility in working hours. Although the company maintained a standard 9-6 office schedule, the male co-workers’ backlash against this request highlighted the biases that still persist. Her experience serves as a reminder that biases can be present among women themselves, as they may internalise beliefs of inadequacy and the need for external validation.
Basma Ashry, shared the positive strides they have made in achieving gender balance. Over the past month, their company has reached an impressive 45 percent female representation. Ashry attributed this success to fostering a culture of equality where individuals address each other by their names rather than formal titles.
To overcome bias, Ashry suggests starting with one’s own subconscious mind. By becoming aware of one’s biases and actively working to unlearn them, individuals can contribute to creating a more inclusive and fair environment.
As several industries are grappled with the issue of gender inequality, the voices of Salma Aboul-Ela, Dr. Dame Heather McGregor, Meher Mirchandani, and Basma Ashry serve as a clarion call for change. By challenging biases, adopting neutral processes, and fostering an inclusive culture, the industry can take significant strides towards achieving gender equality and creating a more equitable future for all.
The AB Women in Business Conference 2023 aimed to engage in an enlightening and thought-provoking discussion focused on tackling the pervasive issue of bias within the workplace.
This significant event provided a platform for meaningful conversations and collaborative efforts in pursuit of fostering inclusive workplaces across the GCC region.
Distinguished experts in diversity and inclusion, alongside esteemed HR professionals and visionary business leaders, convened to explore strategies and solutions aimed at dismantling gender biases and challenging stereotypes that persist in professional environments.
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