Governance in focus: Survey launched on participation of women in leadership and board roles

Alvaro Sanmarti / The National

Hawkamah, the Institute for Corporate Governance in the UAE, has launched a survey to gauge the level of participation of women in leadership and board roles at listed companies across the Arabian Gulf.

“The objective of the survey is to find out the facts about female leaders and board members of listed companies in the GCC,” Hawkamah said in its preamble to the survey.

“This includes women representation, challenges, and ways to reduce barriers. The survey scope is limited to public listed companies although responses from other types of companies are welcomed.”

Companies have until July 5 to take part in the survey, which is accessible via Hawkamah's website.

The Arab Women Organisation said earlier this month that 111 Emirati women are running for board posts at companies listed on the two main stock exchanges, with women currently holding just 1.5 per cent of board seats in the UAE.

Such a figure is significantly lower than the global average of 16 per cent of board seats being held by women, according to the annual Grant Thornton Corporate Governance Review.

The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) published new rules in April stating that at least 20 per cent of candidates for a company’s board seats should be women.

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