Arthur D. Little holds Women's Day event with NYUAD students

Marking International Women’s Day, Arthur D. Little (ADL) and New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) hosted a panel discussion on the unique challenges faced by women regarding their professional advancement.

Held yesterday at the Career Development Center on the NYUAD campus, the ‘Breaking Barriers in Leadership’ event brought together distinguished women leaders from various industries, including Arthur D. Little staff, with students from NYUAD.

Together, they discussed some of the main challenges women in the region face, and explored solutions and opportunities aimed at empowering women to attain more prominent roles in their careers.

Participants delved into crucial topics, inspired by the questions asked during the panel. These discussions revolved around the primary obstacles women face in their professions within the Middle East, the impact of societal norms and cultural expectations on their career paths, and effective strategies for overcoming gender-related challenges that can be practically worked on from individual, institutional and educational point of views.

Sally Menassa, partner at Arthur D. Little, shared her personal experiences of navigating biases in recruitment and promotion processes in the management consulting industry, while Christine Harb, an executive and leadership coach, addressed systemic issues such as limited access to leadership positions.

Nouf Alsufiany, HR professional at Arthur D. Little emphasized the critical role organizations and institutions must play in fostering gender equality and creating inclusive environments for women.

The event highlighted several actionable strategies for advancing women’s careers, including the importance of mentorship, advocacy for equal opportunities, and the implementation of initiatives to promote women’s leadership and representation across various fields.

Moreover, the discussion underscored the necessity of empowering young women and girls to become leaders and change-makers in their communities and beyond, and the individual work also required from women to remove self-made obstacles.

Menassa commented, “It is key to dismantle the systemic barriers that women encounter within the corporate world, with a keen focus on the management consulting sector that has traditionally seen a prevalence of male leadership. This landscape is evolving, and through our sustained dialogues, we are steering efforts to offer practical solutions to move the needle in gender diversity and beyond that mentor the young women who will shape the future of this industry.”

Reem Buhazza, Employer Relations Manager at NYUAD, added, “We are proud to partner with Arthur D. Little on this occasion in spearheading initiatives that lay the groundwork for a more inclusive future. This collaboration stands as a testament to our shared commitment to cultivating a workplace where women's contributions are recognized and achieving overall equality.”

Celebrated worldwide today, International Women’s Day is a focal point in the women’s rights movement. The day shines the light on issues such as women career advancement, gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.