Dubai-based GMG unveils ‘EmpowHer’ initiative

The aim is to enhance women’s careers

Dubai-headquartered GMG, a global well-being conglomerate with a portfolio spanning sport, everyday goods, health and beauty, properties, and logistics, has launched its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) initiative, ‘EmpowHer,’ to coincide with International Women’s Day 2024.

This initiative is a testament to GMG’s dedication to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout its operations. It offers women at all levels career advancement opportunities, leadership development, mentorship programmes, pay parity, and an inclusive workplace culture.

EmpowHer by GMG solidifies the entity’s commitment to providing women with opportunities for career advancement, leadership development, mentorship programmes, pay parity, and fostering an inclusive workplace culture.

The initiative will introduce EmpowHer circles, led by DE&I champions, to drive mentorship, gender bias awareness training, data-informed decision-making, and progress tracking.

Chief People Officer

GMG has meanwhile appointed Razan Akrouk as its new Chief People Officer, overseeing the group’s brand, culture, and sustainability functions.

In her new role, Akrouk will manage the end-to-end delivery of the employer brand experience, leveraging her profound understanding of GMG’s values and culture to foster a team dedicated to creating an employer-of-choice brand.

Akrouk said: “In today’s interconnected world, global expansion relies not only on market penetration but also on nurturing a cohesive organisational culture that embraces diversity. Investing in our workforce goes beyond gestures; it’s about instilling a deep-rooted belief in empowerment, fostering loyalty, and propelling sustained growth.”

Akrouk noted: “EmpowHer is not just a committee; it’s a movement. We aim to empower, support, and uplift women across our business at every level, from retail to corporate.

“This milestone signifies GMG’s four decades of dedication to creating an environment where every voice is heard, every talent is recognised, and every woman is given the tools to thrive in their career.”

Akrouk ‘s vision for GMG involves leveraging technology to shape a future-ready workforce, enhancing employee engagement through comprehensive DE&I efforts, and addressing the challenges of today’s dynamic work environment with proactive and inclusive strategies.

Featured image: GMG women employees celebrate the launch of the EmpowHer programme on International Women’s Day 2024. Credit: GMG