GMG Unveils EmpowHer Initiative To Support Women On International Women's Day

In a significant stride towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable workplace, GMG, a global well-being company renowned for its diverse portfolio across various sectors, has unveiled a new initiative titled "EmpowHer". This initiative, launched in conjunction with International Women's Day, is dedicated to empowering and supporting women within the organisation. EmpowHer emphasises GMG's commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) across its operations, promising to create numerous opportunities for women, including career advancement, leadership development, mentorship programmes, pay parity, and an inclusive workplace culture.

Alongside this pivotal launch, GMG has announced the appointment of Razan Akrouk as the new Chief People Officer. Akrouk, who will also handle Brand, Culture & Sustainability functions, is tasked with delivering an exceptional employer brand experience. Her leadership is expected to be crucial in driving GMG's efforts to be recognised as an employer of choice, reflecting the company's values and culture.

Razan Akrouk, reflecting on her role and the launch of EmpowHer, emphasised the importance of nurturing a cohesive organisational culture that values diversity for global expansion. She highlighted the necessity of investing in the workforce to foster a sense of empowerment, loyalty, and sustained growth. Akrouk's strategy includes leveraging technology to prepare a future-ready workforce and enhancing employee engagement through comprehensive DE&I efforts.

The EmpowHer initiative is designed to be more than a committee; it is deemed a movement aimed at uplifting women across the spectrum of GMG's business. The initiative plans to feature EmpowHer circles, led by DE&I champions, which will focus on mentorship, gender bias awareness training, leveraging data for informed decision-making, and tracking progress towards achieving a more inclusive workplace.

Impact on Innovation and Performance

Research, including studies by the Boston Consulting Group, has shown that companies with diverse management teams see a significant increase in their innovation revenue—by as much as 19 percentage points. This data underscores the importance of initiatives like EmpowHer, indicating that fostering gender diversity and inclusion can lead to enhanced innovation and overall performance for companies like GMG.

Razan Akrouk's vision for GMG encapsulates a forward-looking approach to addressing the challenges of today's dynamic work environment. Through EmpowHer, GMG aims to set a benchmark for creating an environment where every individual is valued, talents are recognised, and women are empowered to excel in their careers. The initiative marks a milestone in GMG's four-decade-long journey of striving towards an equitable and inclusive workplace.

EmpowHer stands as a testament to GMG's dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, setting a precedent for how global companies can support and uplift women across all levels of their operations. By fostering an environment where every voice is heard and every individual has the opportunity to thrive, GMG is not only enhancing its organisational culture but also contributing to a more equitable and inclusive corporate world.