Dubai, UAE, 2 November 2019:   In recognition of its significant efforts towards driving the UAE Leadership’s Vision for gender diversity in the workplace, du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), has received the Entrepreneur Middle East’s “Best Company in Women Empowerment Award” at The RiiSE Conference: Achieving Women Forum 2019, held in the Sofitel Palm, Dubai. 

Osman Sultan, Chief Executive Officer of EITC, received the Award on behalf of the company at the distinguished awards ceremony after the Achieving Women Forum. The event was attended by a range of highly regarded and public figures, including former Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard, athlete and adventurer, Erik Weihenmayer, who was the first blind person to reach the summit of Mount Everest. 

Today, du is in a stronger position to empower its female employees, which make up 29% of its overall workforce. Highlights and key achievements of the winning initiative include the adoption of the company’s gender balance strategy, mission and vision, the definition of its gender balance roadmap, agenda and gender score card, as well as the promotion of internal role models and encourage women to embark on careers in the ICT industry.

du Women Council is another step in breaking the glass ceiling in order to promote more women into senior leadership positions and ensure the best working environment that enable them to be part of the decision-making process and contribute to the development of company operations. Hanan Ahmad, Chairwoman of du Women Council, who gave the welcome note during the event and Dr Alia Al Serkal, Vice Chairwoman of du Women Council who attended one of the panel discussions, both highlighted how the du Women Council are striving to enhance gender balance in the workplace.

Osman Sultan, Chief Executive Officer of EITC, said: “The achievement of female workplace empowerment at du comes down to our organization-wide impetus to address the leadership’s agendas for tolerance and inclusivity at a granular level. The happiness of our human capital is the most vital component to the success and growth of our business. Therefore, the momentum carried forth by receiving this honourable recognition will enable us to continue being a significant emblem for powerful initiatives that positively influence workplace harmony and diversity across the UAE’s industry verticals.”

Hanan Ahmad, Chairwoman of the du Women Council, said: “The hard work that has gone into the formation of the du Women Council mirrors our commitment to empowering women and emphasizes the pivotal role women have in both society and all sectors across the country. The UAE leadership’s progressive stance towards diversity is alive and flourishing within our day-to-day operations and is represented by the Council’s enlightened steps to move us closer to bringing the UAE’s women empowerment and leadership agenda to life.”