EGA Boosts Female Workforce, Targets Leadership Positions For Emirati Women

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the UAE's largest industrial company outside the oil and gas sector, announced that over 110 women have joined since Emirati Women’s Day 2023. This includes 67 UAE Nationals. EGA now employs more than 550 women in the UAE, with over 195 in operational roles. The company aims for women to hold 25% of supervisory roles by 2025, up from around 20% today, and 15% of all positions by 2026.

EGA celebrated Emirati Women’s Day by launching a new initiative to promote gender diversity across UAE industries. The Break the Mould initiative aims to inspire young women interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to follow pioneering women who have significantly contributed to the UAE industrial sector. The UAE is among the few countries where more women than men graduate in STEM subjects.

In 2022, EGA opened its long-standing National Training programmes for front-line industrial operations roles to women for the first time. In the first full year since this change, about 20% of new joiners were women. This move marked a significant step towards gender inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated fields.

EGA is committed to promoting gender diversity throughout its business and advocating for women's roles in industry and society. The company is a signatory to the United Nations’ Women’s Empowerment Principles. Last year, EGA launched the Challenger Programme, which unites leading industrial companies to address shared practical challenges and make quicker progress on gender diversity.

On Emirati Women’s Day, EGA’s Women’s Network organised an event for all female employees at EGA. This event showcased progress made so far and discussed how to further accelerate gender diversity within the company. Such initiatives highlight EGA's dedication to fostering an inclusive work environment.

Abdulnasser bin Kalban, EGA Chief Executive Officer, stated, "At EGA and in the UAE industrial sector, pioneering women are making significant contributions and inspire many more women to follow in their footsteps. Emirati Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate their achievements in our industry and our nation. We believe that diversity leads to improved business performance, and we are committed to creating more opportunities for women and inspiring the next generation of women leaders and innovators in the UAE."

EGA's efforts reflect a broader commitment to gender equality within the UAE's industrial sector. By setting ambitious targets for female representation in supervisory roles and overall positions, EGA aims to lead by example in promoting workplace diversity.

The company's initiatives not only support current female employees but also aim to inspire future generations of women leaders in STEM fields. Through programmes like Break the Mould and Challenger Programme, EGA continues to pave the way for greater gender inclusivity within its operations.

These efforts underscore EGA's belief that diversity enhances business performance and innovation. By fostering an inclusive environment, EGA hopes to drive positive change within both its organisation and the wider industry.

With inputs from WAM