By ; Basel Khaled
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) graduated 25 new female employees from the second batch of ‘For Her’ programme. DEWA launched this programme in collaboration with Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership to prepare female leaders in all its areas and specialisations.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said that the programme is part of DEWA’s strategy to empower women and provide a positive and encouraging work environment that supports working women and helps them balance their professional and personal lives. This helps them maintain success, excellence, and effective participation in building the nation and bringing up future generations.
“Our vision is inspired by the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to enhance women’s role as part of the UAE Centennial 2071 to make the UAE the best country in the world. DEWA is one of the most prominent national organisations that support women in the energy sector, especially renewable and clean energy, and sustainability. DEWA realises the importance of providing all capabilities to empower its female employees to make a positive and sustainable impact. It was one of the pioneering government organisations in Dubai to engage women in decision making.
This makes it a role model for public and private organisations inside and outside the UAE.
We are proud to graduate the second batch of ‘For Her’ programme. We trust our female employees to effectively preserve these gains and make significant achievements that consolidate DEWA’s global leadership,” said Al Tayer.
“DEWA is committed to empowering women in all positions. DEWA currently has 1,948 female employees in all its divisions including 701 employees in the technical and engineering sector. Emirati women comprise 81.6% of DEWA’s total women workforce. Emirati women at the R&D Centre comprise 32% of the staff, including women who have high educational degrees in science and engineering.
DEWA’s female employees participate in voluntary work inside and outside the UAE. The number of volunteering hours for DEWA’s female employees exceeded 13,300 hours last year in 40 social and humanitarian initiatives. DEWA’s female employees participate in all conservation and awareness programmes especially those that target women,” said Dr. Yousef Al Akraf, Executive Vice President of Business Support and Human Resources at DEWA.
Maryam Al Mutaiwei, Vice President of Human Resources at DEWA, said that ‘For Her’ programme introduces the participants to several pillars that enhance their communication skills with stakeholders, help them deal with different challenges, benefit from available opportunities, and get the needed support to achieve their career aspirations.
It includes a female mentor for all female employees to enhance their strengths and overcome their weaknesses. This also helps them discover areas of interest such as self-development and career development.
Fatima Al Jokar, Chairperson of DEWA’s Women Committee, thanked DEWA’s top management for its efforts to support the Women’s Committee and help it perform its role to the fullest. DEWA provides all opportunities and capabilities to help female employees in different positions to succeed, prove their capabilities, and promote their role in the organisation’s achievements.
