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DUBAI/GULF TIME
Safety in the workplace has become a critical factor in retaining and empowering women employees, with recent research shedding light on its importance. The recent Avtar & Seramount Best Companies for Women in Gulf study revealed that over 80% of companies in the listing have sensitization programs to reiterate their commitment to a safe and gender sensitive work environment. Furthermore, 60% of the Best Companies provide emergency hotline support to report any untoward incident of sexual harassment at workplaces.
“Workplace safety goes beyond just physical measures — it encompasses protection from harassment and opportunities for intellectual inclusion,” said Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Founder- President, Avtar Group. As organizations in the Gulf region navigate increasingly diverse workforces, creating safe and inclusive environments for women has become an undeniable imperative.
Workplace safety encompasses three critical aspects: Physical Safety, which involves ensuring accessible and secure commuting, hazard-free premises, and ergonomic working conditions to create a safe environment for women; Protection Against Sexual Harassment, requiring the strict implementation of policies like the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act and a zero-tolerance approach to foster trust and accountability; and Intellectual Safety, where women feel included, valued, and empowered to share their ideas without fear of judgment, fostering an environment of trust and driving innovation.
“When women feel secure — physically, emotionally, and intellectually—they are more likely to thrive in their careers and sustain long-term participation in the workforce,” added Dr Saundarya.
To create more welcoming workplaces, Dr Saundarya highlights three impactful measures – Fostering Inclusion by building a culture where women feel heard and valued, addressing microaggressions, and promoting collaboration to ensure employees from all backgrounds feel a sense of belonging; Offering Flexibility to accommodate women’s unique career trajectories, especially in demanding industries like retail, with cross-industry sharing of best practices to support work-life balance; and Sponsoring Women through programs where leaders advocate for women’s capabilities, enabling them to access leadership opportunities and overcome career barriers.
“At the entry level, organizations should aim for a 50-50 gender balance, or even 60% women, to account for natural attrition,” Dr Saundarya notes. However, mid-management and leadership positions often show stark gender disparities. “By maintaining 45-48% representation at mid-levels and fostering leadership pathways, organizations can create a robust pipeline of women leaders who bring diverse perspectives to the table.”
Avtar Group invites organizations across the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and beyond to participate in the Best Companies for Women in the Gulf initiative. This program celebrates companies that champion women’s progress while offering a roadmap for the rest to follow suit.
Organizations with 25 or more employees are eligible to apply, and women can nominate their workplaces for consideration. Through this initiative, companies gain insights into global best practices and take meaningful steps toward building workplaces where women can thrive.
With 24 years of driving diversity and inclusion in India, Avtar Group is now extending its vision to the Gulf region, creating vibrant and equitable workplaces that empower women to achieve their fullest potential.
Companies in the Gulf region can click here to apply for Best Companies for Women in Gulf study.