SHARJAH, 9th March, 2023 (WAM) – NAMA Women Advancement (NAMA) has announced a partnership with several key private sector entities to promote a more inclusive and diverse workforce in the MENA region. This move comes as part of NAMA's continued efforts to support women's economic empowerment, with the initiative being named Irtiqa. Leading companies including PepsiCo, PwC, and IFFCO have joined forces with NAMA to advance gender-inclusive practices in the private sector.
The Irtiqa initiative focuses on three key priorities that will drive change: building the capacity of businesses to deliver gender equality outcomes, raising awareness and expanding knowledge on the benefits of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and advocating for greater participation of women in businesses, communities, and economies.
As Irtiqa Ambassadors, private sector companies will work with NAMA to generate and disseminate knowledge on recent trends and prospects in closing the gender gap in employment. They will also create networking opportunities for business leaders to exchange practical experiences for women's inclusion in the private sector.
Reem BinKaram, Director of NAMA, commented on the objective of the initiative, saying, "We are excited about this partnership, which aims to refocus efforts on the crucial role of the private sector in achieving SDG 5 on gender equality." She added, "With the launch of the Irtiqa Ambassadors initiative, we shed light on companies like PepsiCo and PwC that are championing gender equality and create a platform for sharing best practices and solutions for promoting diverse and inclusive workplaces."
The MoUs were signed after an interactive session that brought together business leaders, academia, public and private sector representatives to explore the current status of women in the private sector. The session identified challenges and opportunities for driving diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.