EIBFS Establishes Women’s Committee to Support the Women Workforce in the Banking Sector

EIBFS Establishes Women’s Committee to Support the Women Workforce in the Banking Sector

• First women empowerment committee in the banking sector

Dubai-UAE: XX September 2019 – The Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial Studies (EIBFS), a regional leader in banking and finance education and training, recently established the first women empowerment committee in the banking and finance sector.

Ms. Rafia Al Abbar, VP – Head of Employee Services at Dubai Islamic Bank, has been appointed the Chairperson and Ms. Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi – Chief Human Resources Officer at Emirates NBD, has been named as the Vice Chairperson of the Committee.

The inaugural meeting was attended by senior women representatives from various banks across the UAE including Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD, Noor Bank, Sharjah Islamic Bank and RAK Bank.

EIBFS has established the Women’s Committee to focus on the growth and empowerment of women in the UAE banking and finance sector. The committee will build a support network for women to successfully navigate their career paths in the sector. The committee will mentor young Emiratis aspiring to take up careers in banking and finance, provide networking opportunities and support women entrepreneurship in the industry.

“Women form nearly 70 per cent of the banking and finance workforce in the UAE,” said Noura Abbas, Director – Program Administration & Delivery Division at EIBFS. “Establishing such a committee not only helps EIBFS to support a wider group of the women workforce but also provides every assistance to them to excel in their banking and finance careers. We also aim to establish a solidarity fund to support women who are hoping to start their own business aligned with the banking sector.”

She added: “As an educational institute, we are committed to providing the requisite trainings to the women workforce. Through this committee we also hope to build a strong network of women that will support each other in their growth paths by providing advice and addressing issues that matter. At EIBFS, we already have strong participation from women in our training programs. Through the Women’s Committee we look forward to creating a platform for the banking and finance professionals to voice their concerns, build their knowledge and impart advice to those in need. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the UAE banks in joining us in our endeavour.”

Rafia Al Abbar said, “I feel extremely privileged to take on the role of Chairperson of the Women’s Committee. I would like to thank EIBFS for this initiative and fully support the Institute’s agenda to build an empowered women workforce. Since banking and finance industry is one of the largest employers of Emirati women, I think a committee like this will safeguard women’s interest and build a comprehensive network. We are committed to providing support to women in the banking sector.”

Commenting on the Women’s Committee, Jamal Al Jassmi, GM at EIBFS, said, “I would like to congratulate all those involved in the Women’s Committee. I believe that such an initiative will create a wholesome work environment for women in banks and other financial institutions. I am proud of the agenda prepared by the committee and fully support their efforts.”

Earlier in the year EIBFS also announced the establishment the Learning Committee and Emiratisation Committee to build educational capacity and help the Emirati workforce in the banking and finance sector.