UAE- DEWA concludes main partner participation in Global Women's Forum

DUBAI 25th February 2016 (WAM) -- Dubai Electricity and Water Authority DEWA has concluded its participation as the main partner in the Global Woman's Forum Dubai organised by Dubai Women Establishment DWE and the Women's Forum for the Economy and Society.

The forum was held for the first time in the region under the patronage of Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and was led by Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum President of the UAE Gender Balance Council President of Dubai Women Establishment and wife of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs highlighting the UAE's achievements and commitment to empowering women.

"The agenda for the Global Women's Forum Dubai revolved around the pillars of achieving creating giving energising and sustaining. The forum's agenda highlighted DEWA's ongoing efforts to further integrate women into the energy and innovation sectors because women are essential to our achieving sustainable development. I am honoured that DEWA was chosen as the main partner for this forum which was built around the theme of 'Let's Innovate'. The forum gave us the opportunity to demonstrate the importance of our country's women their contributions and the large role they play in the development and prosperity of our community" said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer MD and CEO of DEWA.

"During the forum we showed our achievements in innovation and sustainable energy in addition to the vital role Emirati woman play in the clean energy sector today. DEWA also presented its best international practices and experiences in enabling the community and the country's women via the Sustainable Energy platform. I assure you that our ongoing achievements shall not cease we will continue to place our women at the forefront of the international community becoming role models and showing the positive image of the UAE's women in support of the wise vision that recognises the significance of renewable energy in achieving a balance between development and sustainability. This balance will help preserve the rights of future generations to live in a clean healthy and safe environment" Al Tayer continued.

"I would like to note that DEWA has employed 1700 female staff working in all its operations 559 of whom work in engineering and other technical positions. 77 percent of DEWA's female workforce comprise Emirati nationals who enjoy a secure stable environment which allows them to grow their skillset and abilities and contribute to the National Innovation Strategy. The strategy is set to place the UAE amongst some of the most innovative countries in the world. This move also supports the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy for 2050 launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to make Dubai a global hub for clean energy capable of acquiring 75 percent of its energy from clean sources by 2050 as well as enhancing Dubai's international competitiveness in the energy sector to attract more investments" added Al Tayer.

Khawla Al Mehairi Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications at DEWA Chairperson of DEWA's Women's Committee and Board Member of Dubai Women Establishment participated in a panel discussion entitled 'Gender Matters for Energy'. Laure Alazet New Business Incubator for South Asia Middle East and Africa at ENGIE and Board Member of the Clean Energy Business Council shared the panel with Al Mehairi. The session was moderated by Rym Ghazal from The National newspaper and attended by many participants.

During the forum Al Mehairi highlighted the role of women as key partners in sustainable development the important role they play in energy conservation and protecting natural resources. She added that the successes of sustainable development programmes are closely linked to the active participation of women. She also stressed that the role of women must not be ignored when energy-related policies and programmes are developed noting that it's important to raise women's awareness as they play a key role in the rationalisation of energy use at home and in society as a whole. Women can be change agents who encourage the shift towards using sustainable energy.

"Industries are undergoing profound shifts in their business models because of developments in technology. As a result labour markets are rapidly-changing and gender gaps are increasing in some industries as jobs traditionally held by women become obsolete and opportunities are emerging in new markets. It's important to realise these changes and be ready to take advantage of the opportunities and face the challenges presented by these developments" said Al Mehairi.

"DEWA's sponsorship of the Global Women's Forum in Dubai supports DEWA's Corporate Social Responsibility and its strategy to take care of women as key partners in the development process. The forum's agenda and its five pillars align with DEWA's efforts to promote the participation of women in emerging markets and empower women in the workplace. Since its establishment DEWA's Women's Committee has worked to provide a positive and stimulating work environment that supports female staff and helps them achieve a balance between their personal and professional lives" she added.

Al Mehairi said that the UAE is the first Arab country to make it mandatory for public and private organisations to include women on their boards of directors. It is also the first Arab nation to establish a Gender Balance Council to increase the presence of women in leading positions and enhance corporate efficiency.