CBI's first women's empowerment event focused on barriers to gender equality in the corporate world

High-profile female speakers included female Emirati role models Dr Maryam Mattar, Hala Kazim and Vanessa Fisk, an independent member of CBI's Risk Committee and Credit Committee

10 April 2017, Dubai

Under the support of Mark Robinson, CEO, and Hessa Al Ghurair, Chief Human Resources Officer and head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Commercial Bank International (CBI) held its inaugural Banking on Women 1.0 event, which was attended by 180 female employees.

Banking on Women 1.0 featured motivational talks from three inspiring UAE women: Dr Maryam Mattar, a prominent Emirati genetic disorder specialist; Hala Kazim, an Emirati counsellor and personal transformation programme founder; and Vanessa Fisk, the former regional Chief Operating Officer at Standard Chartered Bank, and an independent member of CBI’s Risk Committee and Credit Committee. Attendees participated in a speed painting exercise and a charity auction to raise money for Sharjah Women’s Protection Society.

Hessa Al Ghurair commented: “Banking on Women 1.0 was organised exclusively for women, by women. It is the first women-focused event held by CBI since the bank was founded 26 years ago, and was created from a desire to support our female employees perform to the best of their ability. It has been hugely successful. Hearing from inspirational female leaders has reminded our employees what is possible, but also demonstrated the hard work that is required to achieve success. We look forward to running further Banking on Women events.”

Banking on Women 1.0 focused on barriers to gender equality in the corporate world, highlighting CBI’s own efforts to drive female empowerment through training and development. Women currently form 43 percent of CBI’s workforce, and 15 percent of executive management.

Dr Maryam Mattar commented: “His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum has said that opportunities do not lie around waiting for someone to grab them – they are made. When I was a young girl, I did not think that it was possible for me to become one of the top Arab scientists in the UAE. But through hard work and determination this is exactly what I have achieved. I want women in the UAE to never doubt their aspirations, but to be prepared to put in the hard work.”

Hala Kazim commented: “In order to encourage greater gender diversity in the workplace, businesses in the UAE need to recognise that women play many roles outside of the workplace, and often lack the high-visibility experiences that prepare men for executive positions. Companies can change this by providing adequate training and development for women so that they can reach their full potential.”

Vanessa Fisk commented: “Women make better leaders - it’s that simple. We outperform across operating, interpersonal, and motivational metrics. And we drive a more balanced work culture, with better decision making. But we need to seize change ourselves and be proactive about tackling our own headwinds. Often we need to develop a thicker skin. It is not always about success or people saying positive things about you. We need to accept the setbacks and get back up again with integrity.”

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About Commercial Bank International (CBI)
CBI is a well-established corporate and retail bank, with a growing SME and Islamic banking business. The Bank was incorporated in 1991 in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and is headquartered in Dubai. CBI shares are listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities exchange (ADX) and the Bank has a long-term issuer default rating of A-, with a Stable Outlook from Fitch Ratings.

Since 2012, CBI has had a strategic partnership with Qatar National Bank (QNB), a 40% shareholder and the largest Bank in the MENA region.

CBI offers a comprehensive portfolio of banking products, as well as tailor-made financial solutions in corporate, Islamic and retail banking - ranging from lending, trade services, cash management and treasury solutions to personal account services, credit cards and finance for homes.

CBI operates through a network of 27 branches with a presence across all seven Emirates in the UAE.

For further information, please contact:
Anna Langford
Head of Corporate Communication & Customer Experience
+971 4 212 6101
Email:  anna.langford@cbi.ae

Will Anderson
Partner
Brunswick Gulf Ltd
+9712 245 1417
Email: CBIGulf@brunswickgroup.com

© Press Release 2017