International Women's Day: Aster DM Healthcare MD Alisha Moopen Hails Women's Progress In The UAE

In observance of International Women's Day 2024, Alisha Moopen, Managing Director & Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare GCC, delivered a powerful statement highlighting gender disparities in the global workforce and the remarkable achievements made by women in the UAE.

Alisha pointed out the significant gap in workforce participation rates between men and women globally, with women's participation hovering slightly above 50% compared to men's 80%. She attributed this disparity to traditional gender roles, societal expectations, and gender wage gaps that often limit women's access to education and formal employment opportunities. Despite these challenges, she asserted that women possess the intelligence, resilience, and capability required to make a meaningful impact in various spheres of society.

She lauded the UAE as a beacon of progress and equality for women. She described the nation as a role model for its efforts in fostering an inclusive environment through the implementation of supportive policies and infrastructure. This commitment has enabled women to pursue education, embark on careers, support their families, and explore entrepreneurship among other opportunities. The UAE's significant strides in gender equality are underscored by its ranking as the first in the Arab world and 11th globally on the Gender Inequality Index (GII) of the UNDP's Human Development Report 2022, marking a leap of 38 positions since the inception of the UAE Gender Balance Council seven years ago.

She also proudly shared that more than 60% of Aster DM Healthcare's workforce is composed of women, many of whom occupy upper-management and leadership roles. She stressed that embracing diversity is not merely a corporate commitment but a fundamental strength of the organisation.

Highlighting the broader economic implications of gender equality, she referred to a McKinsey report that projects a $12 trillion addition to the global GDP by 2025 if women's equality is advanced in society. She called for global recognition of women's potential and urged for measures to be taken to ensure women receive the education, training, and opportunities necessary to contribute to global development.

Underscoring the critical role women play in the growth and development of society and the economy, Alisha advocates for a world where women are given equal opportunities to realize their full potential, thereby contributing to the prosperity and well-being of their communities and the world at large.