Before now, women sit on the boards of 28 out of the 110 listed companies in the United Arab Emirates(UAE), they make up 3.5% of all board positions but now a handful of other countries, including Norway and France and firms such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi stock markets have recently passed legislation requiring that corporate boards should include a minimum percentage of women.“Historically, our Arab economies have been planned and run exclusively by men, so introducing a critical mass of capable women into strategic roles will help evolve our economies,” said Najla Al Awadhi, one of the first female members of the U.A.E. Parliament and the first Arab woman to become chief executive of a state-run media organization, Dubai Media. She also said “It will help with innovation, entrepreneurship, and the development of new markets where new employment opportunities will become a reality".
Some women in Nigeria have been in these positions such as Ibukun Awosika, the current Chairman of First Bank Nigeria, Osaretin Demuren, the first female Chairman of Guaranty Trust Bank, Bola Kuforiji- Olubi, Mosunmola Osunuga, Ngozi Okonjo and so on are examplary women; women who occupy these positions are still less than 40% collectively. It is no doubt that this initiation by (United Arab Emirates) companies will face societal and cultural challenges but companies have been advised to proffer policies that will sustain women in leadership.
It cannot be overemphasized that diversity breeds sustainability, we hope that this initiation stands the tests of time even in African countries.
# Women in leadership
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